New Jersey Drug Addiction Hotlines and Text Helpline

Addiction and Substance Use in New Jersey

If you live in New Jersey and have a substance use issue, you’re not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 98,000 New Jersey residents were treated for substance use in 2019.¹ These 2017–2019 statistics provide a snapshot of substance use in the state:²

• 942,000 people used marijuana in the previous year while 94,000 reported having a past-year marijuana use disorder.
• 42,000 people used heroin in the previous year, while 224,000 people misused prescription pain relievers.
• 70,000 reported a past-year opioid use disorder.
• 183,000 reported a past-year illicit drug use disorder.
• 318,000 reported a past-year alcohol use disorder.
• 464,000 reported a past-year substance use disorder.

How a NJ Addiction Hotline May Be Able to Provide Support

Calling a New Jersey substance abuse hotline can provide you with several services and resources. If you or a loved one are dealing with substance misuse or substance use disorder (SUD), you can expect to receive guidance on several topics related to addiction, and get local help in New Jersey.

Callers can ask any questions they have or discuss any concerns weighing on their minds. Topics include:

• What substance misuse and addiction are.
• The signs and symptoms of addiction.
• Community-based organizations and support groups in New Jersey, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
• Treatment options in New Jersey or out of state
• The detoxification process.
• How to find addiction treatment in New Jersey.
• What you can expect while in treatment.
• How to pay for addiction treatment (e.g., financing, grants, health insurance, loans, private pay).

List of Free New Jersey Addiction Hotline Numbers

This section outlines a comprehensive list of New Jersey hotline numbers you can call if you need information about treatment, resources, or if you have addiction questions. Remember, if you are experiencing an emergency, contact 911 for immediate medical assistance.

American Addiction Centers (AAC)

• AAC provides quality resources and assistance 24/7. You can find guidance for inpatient or outpatient care. Admissions navigators are standing by, ready to assist you.

Boys Town National Hotline

• 1-800-448-3000
• You’ll find a wealth of resources and support when you contact this hotline designed for several issues, including substance misuse.

Drugfree.org

• 1-800-448-3000 or text CONNECT to 55753
• Private, confidential help via phone or text. You can also schedule a phone call with a specialist available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, and Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST. This hotline specializes in early intervention and can assist parents who suspect their child may be using drugs.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline 

• 800-950-6264
• The NAMI HelpLine caters to those struggling with mental illness. You can find assistance Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.

National Drug Helpline

• 844-289-0879
• Find private and confidential drug treatment help when you call the helpline staffed by professionals who are available any time, 24/7.

National Runaway Safeline

• 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)
• A number dedicated to youth, this 24/7 helpline connects runaway youth and families to the proper resources and support.

National Suicide Prevention

• 1-800-273-8255
• If you or someone you love is dealing with intrusive thoughts of self-harm, this hotline offers 24/7 support. Resources are provided for callers as needed.

The Mental Health Association in New Jersey

• 866-202-HELP (4357)
• Emotional support is available 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

NJ Connect

• 855-652-3737
• You can contact this hotline to find help from a trained family or peer specialist.

NJ Hopeline

• 855-654-6735
• Available with resources to assist in time of need 24/7, this suicide prevention hotline is committed to keeping New Jersey residents safe. Everything is confidential when you call.

Poison Control

• 1-800-222-1222
• If you suspect poisoning, seek free guidance from Poison Control.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• SAMHSA has a treatment locator to help individuals find the rehab centers nearby. Also, they can assist with substance use disorders and/or mental illness.

Can I Text a Help Line Number Instead of Calling?

Several groups offer various services and means of support via text helplines, which can be a good option for those who want support but aren’t quite ready to talk to someone on the phone.

You can reach the Crisis Text Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by texting “HOME” to 741741. Crisis Counselors are available around the clock to provide support. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers confidential, free crisis counseling when you text “NAMI” to 741741, and you can text CONNECT to 55753 for support from Drugfree.org.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) also offers personalized text support when you fill out the short form below. You’ll receive 24/7 text support from a compassionate AAC team member who can provide information on addiction as well as treatment options. AAC text support is 100% free, and there is no obligation to enter rehab treatment. You can opt out at any time.

Are Hotlines and Text Helplines Anonymous and Confidential?

Yes, in general, New Jersey addiction hotlines and text helplines are anonymous and confidential. The information you share is private and confidential. If you’re unsure, you can ask about the group’s privacy policy for added peace of mind.

Preparing to Call

As you prepare to call a New Jersey addiction hotline it may be helpful to have the following information ready:

• Name, age, location (unless you want to remain anonymous).
• Drug history.
• Mental health history, if applicable.
• If you need detox services.
• Insurance information.
• If you’re ready to start treatment.

Should I Consider Getting Treatment?

If you’re not sure if you should consider rehab treatment, it may be helpful to know the signs of substance use disorder (SUD). Keep in mind that a New Jersey addiction hotline can help you recognize the signs of SUD but can’t provide an official diagnosis.

You may want to consider treatment for SUD if you experience symptoms including:³

• Using the substance in larger amounts or for longer than intended.
• Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance, but not being able to.
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from using the substance.
• Experiencing cravings for the substance.
• Inability to keep up with everyday commitments and obligations because of substance use.
• Continued substance use even when it causes relationship problems.
• Giving up activities you enjoy because of substance use.
• Using the substance repeatedly, even when it puts you in danger.
• Needing more of the substance to get the desired effect.
• Developing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t have the substance.

How to Find Treatment Centers Near Me

Finding the right rehab center can feel overwhelming, but the good news is, you have options. Rehabs.com is a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers (AAC), which has locations throughout the U.S., including New Jersey. You can explore your options by using our directory, which allows you to search for addiction treatment centers by location, so you can quickly find a rehab near you. If you’re looking to stay close to home, Sunrise Treatment House is located in Lafayette and provides high-quality, individualized addiction treatment.

Does My Insurance Cover The Cost?

The cost of treatment can be a barrier for many people, but your health insurance may provide full or partial coverage for drug and alcohol rehab. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card and speak with a representative to learn about your specific coverage or log in to the member portal on your provider’s website to read through your summary of benefits.

If you find that your insurance doesn’t cover that cost of treatment, don’t worry. There are several ways to pay for rehab without insurance, including grants, loans, payment plans, and sliding scales. What’s important is that you don’t delay getting the help you need.

Remember, if you’re struggling with drug or alcohol use, help is available. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of evidence-based addiction treatment and can help you on your journey to recovery. You can check your insurance by contacting AAC at or filling out the form below.