Q: What is NJ Connect for Recovery?
A: NJ Connect for Recovery is a free, confidential call line focused on helping individuals and families who have a loved one living 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 regarding on substance use issues.
Q: Who should call and why?
A: Call NJ Connect for Recovery is you have a family member or friend who is facing a substance use disorder.
Q: What happens when I call?
A: Within seconds, you are connected to a highly-trained Peer Specialist who understand substance use disorders and recovery and utilizes their lived experience 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 provide ongoing support with follow-up calls and can be directly accessed through our call line during regular hours of operation.
Q: What free services are provided to callers?
• Free Access to Trained Peer Specialists with Lived Experience – Our call center employs highly trained Peer Specialists who provide emotional support, information, referrals and assistance navigating steps to support the recovery journey.
• Treatment Options and Support – We provide real-time information on how access 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 NJ Connect or Recovery provide?
• Free Family Education Webinars – Our free NJ Connect Family Education Webinars provide a safe environment for offering education and proven strategies for addressing substance use disorders and recovery with a loved one.
• 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.
