Q: What is NJ Connect for Recovery?
A: NJ Connect for Recovery is a free, confidential call line focused on helping individuals and families coping with substance use disorder. A service of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, NJ Connect for Recovery provides a safe, nonjudgmental place for individuals and family members to get immediate support, counseling, referrals, and assistance from professional staff members on substance use issues. NJ Connect for Recovery provides free counseling specifically to individuals and families coping with substance use disorders.
Q: Who should call and why?
A: If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 immediately. New Jersey is a Good Samaritan State and you cannot be prosecuted for seeking help. NJ Connect for Recovery was established to support two distinct groups across the state of New Jersey: individuals struggling with their own substance use disorder and family members experiencing distress related to the substance use of a loved one. Call 855-652-3737 for immediate guidance and support and get your substance use disorder questions answered.
Q: What happens when I call?
A: Within seconds, you are connected to a highly-trained Peer Specialist or a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor who understand substance use disorders and recovery and utilize these experiences to provide powerful recovery support. All calls are confidential and free. We provide real-time information on substance use disorders, including treatment options and access to community resources.
Q: When can I call?
A: Our call line is accessible from 8 AM to 10 PM on weekdays, 5 PM to 10 PM on weekends, and 3 PM to 10 PM on holidays. Any calls placed during off hours will be returned within 24 hours.
Q: What can I expect after I call?
A: Our support does not end after the first call. In fact, we urge our callers to continue to call back for additional support, information and counseling. Our dedicated staff of Peer Specialists and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors provide ongoing support with follow-up calls and can be directly accessed through our call line during normal hours.
Q: What free services are provided to callers?
• Free Access to Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors and Peer Specialists – Our call center employs highly trained Peer Specialists and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors who provide an individual assessment of your needs and gets you or a family member the help you need.
• Treatment Options and Support – We provide real-time information on how to enter treatment for substance use disorder, including treatment options and access to community resources.
• Free Access to Insurance Specialists – We also provide access to an Insurance Specialist who can help you navigate the insurance landscape and answer questions about private insurance coverage, Medicaid coverage and Medicare coverage. We can identify and explain covered benefits, co-payments, deductibles and co-insurances for in-network and out-of-network treatment providers. Our Insurance Specialist will facilitate conference calls with your insurance company on your behalf or obtain written consent to inquire on your behalf. If you are underinsured or have no insurance, we can connect you with state-funded treatment programs through the New Jersey Department of Health, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Q: What free resources does NJCR provide?
• Free Family Education Workshops – Our free NJ Connect Family Education Workshops provide a safe environment for offering education and proven strategies for addressing substance use disorders and recovery with a loved one. Our workshop series includes free Narcan training and kits for all attendees.
• Insurance Education Workshops – We offer free insurance education workshops to help families and individuals navigate the different levels of insurance and provide information on private coverage, Medicare and Medicaid coverage, as well as how to find out which levels of care are covered, such as detox, inpatient, outpatient and residential.
• Self-Help Support Groups – We understand that when a loved one is dealing with a substance use disorder, it affects the entire family, which is why we can connect you to free family support groups, spouse support groups and sibling support groups across New Jersey.
