New Jersey Behavioral Treatment Adjusts to COVID Regulations

Last Updated: May 17, 2023

Editorial Policy | Research Policy

The COVID-19 pandemic has made social distancing measures and safety guidelines a necessity throughout the country. However, more people than ever now need reliable access to addiction treatment and mental health services. This is because the stress, uncertainty and loss of income surrounding the pandemic have caused many Americans toturn to substance abuse to cope with increasing mental health symptoms. Fortunately, many rehab facilities in New Jersey have made sweeping changes to ensure residents can receive the life-saving help they need.

Post-COVID Substance Abuse in New Jersey

Experts have stated that the pandemic’s effects — isolation, economic struggles and overall stress — will cause higher rates of substance abuse and subsequent overdose. The predictions have turned out to be true: As of August 2020, there have been 2,093 overdose deaths in New Jersey. Additionally, a survey from The Recovery Village found a 55% increase in past-month alcohol use and a 36% increase in past-month illicit drug use among participants.

How Drug Treatment Centers Are Evolving

It’s important for people to have ways to access effective treatment, but it’s also important to ensure that patients avoid contracting or spreading coronavirus in clinical settings. To do so, many addiction treatment centers are adjusting their day-to-day operations to meet the growing demand for recovery services while maintaining a high level of safety. This includes health screenings for staff and clients, mandatory face masks, increased sanitary and cleanliness standards, social distancing measures and a variety of other safety guidelines. 

Additionally, there have been large advances in telehealth services, making treatment more accessible from home in New Jersey and throughout the United States.

Mental Health Services in New Jersey

Mental health treatment and support are valuable tools for people in need, regardless of demographics like age, gender, occupation or drug history. The state was recently embroiled in a situation that would cut life-saving mental health services for primary school students, which left many parents fearing for their children’s well-being. Fortunately, the cuts did not happen, but the fear of losing important mental health services still lingers.

For anyone living in the New Jersey area, there are many resources available for both mental health and substance abuse treatment. Many locations work with patients to create affordable payment plans, with some even providing free or low-cost services to eligible individuals. Visit the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services website to locate different services near you.

Telemental Health and Online Recovery Meetings in New Jersey

Telehealth services are one way that health care professionals are working to provide accessible mental health treatment for all. Through a laptop, tablet or smartphone, people can connect to trained therapists and counselors and begin recovery from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous have transitioned to online meetings, allowing members to continue long-term recovery without fear of contracting COVID-19. 

In March, New Jersey signed legislation to expand telehealth access and make it so most telehealth services are covered by health insurance plans. However, before seeking telehealth treatment, it’s still important to verify what your health insurance plan will cover.

Finding Substance Abuse Treatment During Coronavirus

The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper provides treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety or depression. Our multidisciplinary team of addiction experts offers a full continuum of care, beginning with medical detox and ending with customized aftercare plans to bolster long-term recovery. Our accredited, licensed facility is closely following safety recommendations and health guidelines to ensure clients receive a high quality of care while avoiding coronavirus transmission.

Contact our helpful representatives to learn more about what our professionals can do for your situation. We’re here to help you begin a happier, healthier, substance-free life today.

Sources

Stainton, Lilo. “How Addiction Treatment, Risk-Reduction […]ved During Pandemic.” NJ Spotlight News, May 7, 2020. Accessed November 3, 2020.

NJ Cares. “January 2020 Suspected Drug Related Deaths.” Accessed November 3, 2020.

Ortiz, Erik. “‘Dangerous’ cut to mental health ser[…]schools is restored.” NBC News, September 25, 2020. Accessed November 3, 2020.

State of New Jersey. “COVID-19 and Telehealth and Telemedicine[…]tly Asked Questions.” April 22, 2020. Accessed November 3, 2020.

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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