About Drug Rehabilitation Centers in New Jersey

New Jersey drug rehabilitation centers assist substance abusers with detoxification and recovery from drug addiction. The term "drug" is defined here as any addictive chemical including alcohol, tobacco, prescription pharmaceuticals and illegal narcotics. The New Jersey Division of Addiction Services (DAS), a division of the Department of Human Services and the central organization for addiction recovery in the state, defines addiction as "a chronic, progressive, and often fatal disease characterized by irrational thoughts and habitual behaviors," but the DAS recognizes that the disease is treatable.

Features

Drug rehabilitation centers in New Jersey are as varied in scope and focus as our universities and hospitals. Facilities may specialize in substance abuse and recovery, or they may treat cases in conjunction with broader mental and behavioral health services. Many offer clinical and emotional support, while others provide only detoxification and medical attention. Treatment facilities are religious, like Catholic Charities in East Brunswick, or secular. Some centers are associated with local hospitals such as Raritan Bay Medical Center Behavior Services in Perth Amboy, but most are independent organizations providing customized recovery care.

Function

In addition to standard detox and recovery, New Jersey treatment facilities provide drug abuse education, occupational and life skills training, emotional and psychological support, and community reintegration. Rehab centers help patients recover physically and emotionally from the ravages of addiction, and then prepare them for a clean, productive life as fully functioning members of society. Addiction issues are approached differently based on the type of care and rehabilitation required.

Types

The DAS identifies 12 types of drug and alcohol abuse treatment. They are:

1. Hospital-based detoxification--Detox services administered and managed by a licensed general or specialized hospital. Service providers are associated with a local hospital, and may offer in-patient or out-patient detoxification.

2. Non-hospital-based detoxification--Detox services administered and monitored in a licensed residential (non-hospital) treatment facility. Service providers are not associated with a hospital, but are licensed by the state and capable of providing in-patient as well as out-patient detoxification.

3. Residential short-term--A licensed non-hospital facility that provides a structured recovery environment and professional clinical services that address addiction and lifestyle issues for recovering addicts.

4. Residential long-term or therapeutic community--A licensed non-hospital facility that provides a structured recovery environment and professional clinical services that address addiction and lifestyle issues for recovering addicts. This program utilizes the structure of a community to reintegrate the patient into society with specific focus on education and vocational skills.

5. Extended care--A licensed non-hospital facility that provides room and board for 60 days or more. The structured environment addresses addiction, interpersonal skills and emotional development with an emphasis on work therapy.

6. Partial hospitalization--A licensed freestanding, non-hospital and non-residential facility providing a structured environment 20 hours per week over a minimum of four separate occasions. Services include substance abuse counseling, education and community support.

7. Intensive out-patient--A licensed, non-residential facility providing clinically intensive programs. Services include individual, group and family counseling, and education for a minimum of nine hours per week.

8. Out-patient--A licensed, non-residential facility providing scheduled individual, group and family counseling for less than nine hours per week. Patients have access to medical and support services.

9. Methadone maintenance--Also referred to as opioid pharmacotherapy. A licensed facility utilizing methadone, LAAM2 or other approved pharmaceutical to maintain patients addicted to heroin or similar opiates. These facilities also provide medical monitoring, lab testing, clinical assessment and intervention.

10. Out-patient detoxification--Planned withdrawal implemented by gradually decreasing doses of the problem drug.

11. Halfway house--Licensed facility providing six months or more of room, board and support services. Treatment is intended to assist patients with adjusting to regular patterns of life via education, vocation and independent self-monitoring.

12. Group recovery homes--Not licensed by the state. Facilities are also referred to as transitional homes or three-quarter Houses. Patients rent living space and offer each other support services. A boarder must abstain from drugs and alcohol to remain a resident. Oxford House is the recommended provider in New Jersey. For a list by county of

Benefits

Rehab facilities are conveniently located, with multiple centers in each of New Jersey's 21 counties. Most licensed centers receive state and county funding from the DAS to offset costs and reduce rates. Payment methods and funding resources include:

* Private health insurance
* Military insurance (VA,TRICARE, etc.)
* Medicaid
* Medicare
* Self pay/sliding scale
* Payment assistance
* South Jersey Initiative (SJI)
* NJ Access Initiative (NJAI)
* Drug Court (DC)
* DUI Initiative (DUII)
* Work First New Jersey (WFNJ)
* Dept. of Youth & Family Services (DYFS)
* MAP Program

Considerations

The Division of Addiction Services evaluates, regulates and licenses drug rehabilitation treatments, programs and facilities throughout New Jersey to ensure hygienic, professional care. Before beginning any treatment program, make sure the facility is licensed and current with the DAS.

• New Jersey Division of Addiction Services
• New Jersey needle exchange program
• List of group recovery homes

Written by John Farley

Source: essortment.com