$1.5M NJ program offers monthly check-ins, support for people battling addiction
New Jersey residents recovering from substance abuse will soon be eligible for a $1.5 million program that provides monthly check-ins for those who've been discharged from treatment, the state Department of Human Services announced Monday.
The federally funded program connects residents battling substance use disorder with a recovery management service, or RCM, for nine months after leaving a treatment facility. Individuals can talk to treatment experts in person, by phone or via text messaging and chat features.
Anyone who has been recently discharged from substance use disorder treatment can access the services, which will include additional checkups, flexible hours and referrals to community resources and treatment.
"Addiction is a chronic disease, and long-term management is essential for its effective treatment," Lisa Asare, the state's deputy commissioner of health services, said in the announcement. "Through RMC, long-term care will be provided to people with substance use disorder to identify and address their further interventions.”
Human Services awarded a maximum of $500,000 each to Rockaway-based Prevention is Key to cover the northern part of the state, and to Prevention Links, based in Roselle, for the state's central and south regions. Services are expected to start in early summer.
The state Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services will oversee the initiative, which offers support to patients and identifies areas that may require additional intervention. For each meeting, staff members will assess clients to evaluate their progress and current recovery status.
If patients need extra treatment, experts can refer them to community resources such as a self-help meeting, food pantries and sober houses. The initiative also allows those in recovery to add more checkups following the nine-month period if necessary.
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"Along the personal journey of recovery, having access to support that a (recovery) service offers can make all the difference," said Valerie Mielke, assistant commissioner of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. "All residents in our state impacted by substance use disorder deserve long-lasting recovery, and this initiative provides supports to individuals pursuing that journey."
The state encouraged anyone struggling with substance use disorder to call New Jersey's 24/7 addiction helpline, 1-844-REACHNJ
"A path to recovery is possible, and help is always available. Please don't hesitate to call," said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.
This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: NJ substance abuse recovery management program announced
