Drug Addiction Hotlines New Jersey | Get admitted today

Last Updated: August 12, 2023

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For many people, calling a drug abuse hotline is the first step in getting treatment for addiction. Whether you’re ready to start treatment or simply looking for information, the hotline at The Recovery Village can answer your questions and help you decide the best course of action for starting rehab. Take that first step and make the call; it’s completely confidential.

The Recovery Village addiction helpline is led by helpful representatives awaiting your call. Many of our helpline operators and facility employees are also in recovery, so they can empathize and help you or a loved one navigate this journey comfortably.

“Alcohol and drugs stripped everything away from me. I know I wanted to be heard. I felt like nobody understood, so it’s good to be able to say I do understand.”
– Stephanie, The Recovery Village Helpline Operator, In Recovery Since 2013
Watch her story below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnkdaHFzMqk

The Recovery Village Helpline is a free drug addiction hotline that provides valuable treatment-related services and information. Our helpline operators are available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week — even on holidays.

Our helpline staff members are taught to be empathetic and non-judgmental, allowing them to support you in getting sober and moving forward from addiction. Many are in recovery from drugs or alcohol themselves. They are prepared to listen to your story and offer caring and understanding support.

If you’re thinking about entering treatment, our helpline staff can answer any questions you may have. They can get you started on the process of entering treatment at the time of your phone call.

When Should I Call a Drug Addiction Hotline? What Will They Ask?

If you’re thinking about entering a detox or rehab program for addiction, it may be time to call a drug addiction hotline. These hotlines are available around the clock to answer your questions and help you decide when and how to begin treatment.

If you or someone around you is in immediate danger from drug or alcohol abuse, it is critical that you call 911 for emergency assistance. 

If you’re looking to enter addiction treatment and you call a hotline, you can expect the hotline operator to ask several questions. The first question they will ask will be whether you are safe. Once they know you’re not in an emergency situation related to drugs or alcohol, the hotline staff member will ask you about the extent of your substance abuse. Questions may include:

  • What kind of drugs are you using?
  • How long have you been using drugs?
  • How much or how often do you use drugs?
  • Do you use one drug or multiple substances?
  • Do you have any mental health conditions alongside substance abuse? 

The hotline staff member will also ask if you’re ready to begin treatment. If you are, they will gather some information from you to determine which treatment program at The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper is the best option.

What Are Drug Abuse Hotlines?

A drug abuse hotline provides information and referrals for people living with an addiction and looking for help. When you call a drug abuse hotline, a staff member who is trained in addiction will answer your questions, provide you with information about addiction treatment and refer you to a rehab or treatment center that meets your needs. Sometimes, family members who are concerned about a loved one’s drug use will contact a drug abuse hotline to learn how they can help or get their loved one into treatment.

In some cases, drug abuse hotlines are associated with a specific facility. This means that when you call the hotline number for drug abuse at that facility, a staff member will refer you to services within that facility. Before calling a drug hotline associated with a treatment facility, it is important to ensure that the facility is reputable. One way to confirm that you are contacting a reputable treatment center is to choose one that is accredited. When a facility is accredited, it means that a professional organization has evaluated the facility to ensure that it meets certain standards of quality and patient care.

One benefit of calling a drug addiction hotline is that phone calls are typically confidential. A trained staff member will listen to your concerns and help you to determine what sort of treatment you or your loved one needs — all while keeping the phone call private. Sometimes, a person may be concerned about reaching out for help because they fear others will find out about their addiction, so confidentiality is an important benefit of drug abuse hotlines.

While most hotlines for drug addiction are confidential, it is important to check with the hotline’s specific confidentiality policy before calling. Different hotlines may have different policies surrounding confidentiality.

When To Call a Drug Hotline vs. 911

While a drug addiction hotline can be helpful for those struggling with addiction and seeking help, they typically are not the best option for someone who is in a crisis or emergency situation. For instance, if you are showing signs of an overdose or have been physically injured as a result of drug use, it is important to call 911 so that you can receive emergency medical treatment. Drug hotlines are not able to respond as quickly to emergencies when compared to your local paramedics and police department.

What To Expect When Calling an Addiction Hotline

When calling an addiction hotline, you should be prepared to answer questions regarding your (or your loved one’s) history of substance abuse. The hotline staff member will likely ask you what sort of substances you have been using and how long you have been using drugs or alcohol. The staff member will ensure that you are safe, and they will ask questions about your living situation, what sort of insurance coverage you have to help you pay for treatment and where you would like to go for treatment.

You Might Be Interested In: How to Pay For Drug Rehab 

FAQs

Can you text a drug hotline?

While most people probably think of calling a helpline on the phone, there are some drug hotline services that allow text messaging for those who prefer this method of communication. For example, Just Think Twice, which is affiliated with the Drug Enforcement Administration, offers a text hotline for those seeking help.

Are there drug-specific hotlines?

Some facilities may advertise drug-specific hotlines, such as a heroin hotline, but most drug addiction helplines are qualified to answer questions about any type of drug addiction. In some cases, facilities may offer a separate alcohol addiction hotline.

How do addiction hotlines work?

When you call an addiction hotline, a trained staff member will collect information from you, such as what drugs you are using, where you live, and what you’d like to get out of treatment. With your permission, you will be referred to addiction treatment in your area.

What is the national drug addiction hotline phone number?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a nationwide drug and alcohol hotline at 1-800-662-4357.

What is a local drug hotline?

A local drug hotline is one that is central to your area and can provide you with referrals to local treatment resources.

What happens when you call the drug help hotline?

If you call a drug help hotline, a staff member will provide you with information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment services and, with your permission, refer you to treatment.

Is there any listing of local drug hotlines near me?

SAMHSA can provide you with a list of local drug treatment resources if you call their hotline at 1-800-662-4357.

Local Resources

Sometimes, people may prefer to call local resource centers that can link them to a treatment center that best meets their needs. In New Jersey and surrounding areas, the following local resources can be of assistance:

  • ReachNJ: This hotline employs trained addiction counselors who are available 24/7. These staff members provide support and information to individuals with addictions, as well as their loved ones. Hotline staff can connect people to treatment, even if they do not have insurance.
  • State of New Jersey Department of Human Services: The state’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services has a searchable online directory of addiction resources. The department also operates a 24/7 hotline to provide information about treatment providers and refer people to needed services.
  • New Jersey Poison Center: The New Jersey Poison Center is available 24/7 and connects callers to trained health care professionals, such as nurses and pharmacists, who can provide information about drugs and assist in cases of drug poisoning.
  • NJConnect: What separates NJConnect from other drug addiction hotlines is that it is meant to serve the friends, family members and loved ones of people with addiction. In particular, the hotline provides emotional support and guidance to these individuals. It is available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. during weekends. Holiday hours are 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: For those in surrounding areas like Philadelphia, the government of Pennsylvania provides a search tool on its website that allows visitors to locate addiction treatment in their area. The state also operates a hotline, available at 1-800-662-4357, to connect callers to addiction resources in the state.
  • Office of Addiction Services: This department, which oversees all addiction treatment programs in Philadelphia, also offers a 24/7 hotline.
  • IME Addictions Access Center: This N.J. drug abuse hotline is available 24 hours per day and seven days per week to provide information and referral to treatment across the state. The hotline can be reached at 1-844-276-2777 and is both free and confidential.
  • 211 New Jersey: By calling 1-844-732-2465, you can reach this free, confidential N.J. drug abuse hotline. It is a drug abuse hotline for families as well, as the staff is prepared to link callers to treatment and provide support for family members.

National Drug and Alcohol Hotlines

If you’re not sure who to contact in your area, national hotlines are another option. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, dialing 911 will connect you to local emergency services, no matter your location. 

Other national resources include:

  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA operates a 24/7 national helpline, available at 1-800-662-4357, to provide information and referrals to treatment services. Helpline services are offered in both English and Spanish, and calls are free and confidential.
  • Partnership to End Addiction: Aiming to fight against addiction at the national level, the Partnership to End Addiction offers a confidential helpline service. It allows family members to receive support and guidance regarding how to help a child or loved one with an addiction. You can visit their website to email a specialist or schedule a phone call, and you can also text “connect” to 55753. Specialists answer emails and texts within 24 hours.
  • National Poison Control Center: Available by phone at 1-800-222-1222, the National Poison Control Center provides assistance in cases of drug or alcohol poisoning.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, mental illness and substance abuse often overlap. Sometimes, people with addiction have mental health conditions like depression, and they may require the services of a suicide prevention helpline at some point. The Lifeline provides confidential support to those experiencing crisis or mental distress. It is available at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: Also available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, this organization offers a drug and alcohol hotline at 1-800-622-2255.
  • National Intervention Referral: This national drug hotline is available at 800-399-3612. It is designed for family members seeking to perform an intervention to address a loved one’s drug or alcohol abuse.

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “What is comorbidity?” August 2018. Accessed October 9, 2021.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

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When you call our team, you will speak to a Recovery Advocate who will answer any questions and perform a pre-assessment to determine your eligibility for treatment. If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is. All calls are 100% free and confidential.

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