As New Jersey struggles through a heroin and prescription drug epidemic, drug overdoses have become the leading cause of accidental death in the Garden State. It can feel overwhelming

Here's a list of resources, for those battling addiction as well as those trying to help loved ones, and potentially save their lives.

 

CFC in Farmingdale provides after-care — focusing on providing those in recovery with activities and a loving community. It also provides resources focused on prevention, recovery, intervention and family support.

CFC was founded by recovering heroin addict Daniel Regan and his mother, Lynn, who describes finding her son living "as an animal" in a crack den before they finally worked out a plan together to keep him clean.

 

NJ Connect for Recovery
855-652-3737
A free, confidential call line for opiate addiction and those dealing with the effects in a loved one. Calls are answered live daily, noon to 8 p.m. Messages left during off hours will be returned the next day. It's made possible by Mental Health Association in New Jersey.

The connection to certified counselors and peer specialists also can be made by email: njconnect@mhanj.org

 

This one-stop website offers New Jerseyans resources on how to identify the signs that an individual is at risk of addiction or is hiding a drug problem; and how to find and take advantage of addiction treatment. There's also a list of recovery and self help centers across the state.

 

The Addictions hotline can provide information and referral to substance abuse treatment agencies statewide.  It's a free service  (funded by the state and DHS), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All information shared is confidential.

 

The grassroots organization was founded in 1998 by four moms, three of whom lost their sons to drugs. The group based in Marlton aims to access quality, affordable, comprehensive treatment services for anyone seeking recovery.

 

New Jersey Nar-Anon Family Groups
Hotline: 877-424-4491 or 800-238-2333

The only requirement to be a member is that there is a problem of drugs or addiction in a relative or friend. Nar-Anon and N.J. Nar-Anon Family Groups are not affiliated with any other organizations.  Meetings are held in NJ seven days a week, at locations across the state.

 

This Toms River-based foundation to put a spotlight on addiction, focusing on heroin, opiate and prescription drug education. The goal is to create awareness and be a gateway to agencies that provide support, including rehab facilities, counseling services and support groups.

HOPE Sheds Light was started after the Rosetto family lost their son Marc to substance abuse and heroin in 2012.

 

This New Jersey drug alcohol addiction treatment center helps more than 3,000 people every year. The non-profit organization has over 40 years of experience, with locations in Passaic, Essex, Bergen and Hunterdon counties.

 

Ocean County was the first in the state to adopt the Law Enforcement Narcan Program and is spearheading a pilot program to provide further services to those rescued with the antidote. The county also has shared tips for planning an intervention to help a a loved one in-need.

 

For those looking to provide support to these organizations, it can be as simple as choosing a charity when shopping online. The Mental Health Association in New Jersey recently became an option at Amazon.Smile.

Erin Vogt is a lifelong Jersey Girl, whose first reporting gig involved her Fisher Price tape recorder. As a wife and momma of two kiddies, she firmly believes that life’s too short to drink bad coffee.  A fan of the beach, Dave Grohl and karma, in no particular order.

 

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