Resources - Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
Helplines
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SAMHSA National Helpline
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA's National Helpline - Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357); TTY: 1-800-487-4889 Text your 5-digit zip code to 435748 (HELP4U) and reply HELP 24/7. Confidential Support
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Never Use Alone
A US National Overdose Response Hotline that people can call when using by themselves, with no one to call for help. An operator will take your location information, and alert EMS to that location if you stop responding after using. Call 800-484-3731 or 877-696-1996. 24/7 Confidential Support.
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text: 988 24/7 Confidential Support
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Help App
The Help App is a collection of local, state and national hotlines, text lines and resources. Find resources on drugs/alcohol, suicide/self-harm, mental health, bullying, abuse/domestic violence and more!
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ReachNJ
ReachNJ is a central call-in line for New Jersey residents who are looking for help with a substance use disorder (SUD). Each call to ReachNJ is answered by a live person in the first 30 seconds. Trained staff will screen callers to identify their exact needs, are able to provide referrals to supportive services and a seamless connection to a local treatment provider. ReachNJ serves NJ residents of all ages regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Call (844) 732-2465.
Important Terminology in Addiction and Recovery
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The use of any drug in such an amount that acute adverse physical or mental effects are produced. Deliberate overdose is a common means of suicide.
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An individual's diminished response to a medication or substance. An individual needs more of a drug to experience the same ‘intoxicating’ effects. Occurs due to repeated use and the body's adaptation to the substance's continued presence.
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A physiological state that results from chronic, repeated use of a drug. The body adapts to the substance and requires it to function. An individual can experience severe withdrawal symptoms when the substance is abruptly stopped. There are three substances that require medical detoxification: Benzodiazepine, Opioid, and Alcohol. Without medical detox abrupt stop to usage could cause serious medical complications and in some cases death.
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An emotional or mental reliance on a substance or behavior to cope with negative emotions, stress, or achieve pleasure. Characterized by intense cravings and compulsive usage patterns due to the perceived need for a substance or avoidance of a negative emotion. Occurs due to the positive reinforcement of the brain's reward system being triggered, despite engaging in negative behaviors.
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The physical and mental symptoms that a person experiences when they suddenly stop or cut back the use of an addictive behavior and/ or substance, such as opioids, nicotine, alcohol. Symptoms include: tremors, muscle aches, sweating, irritability, nausea, insomnia, seizures, confusion, anxiety. Withdrawal symptoms depend on many factors such as the substance/behavior used, how often, and length of time substance/behavior was used. For more detailed information you can learn more at the American Addiction Center.
Addiction and Recovery Links
Mutual Peer Support Groups
Mutual peer support groups in substance use treatment are free, community-based, peer-led, and non-professional organizations where individual with shared experiences of addiction provide mutual supprt, share coping strategies, and doster accountability. Mutual peer support groups are designed to compliment clinical treatment by helping members achieve long-term recovery and reduce relapse risks. Below are listed some mutual peer support groups that are appropriate for teens and family members who are experiencing substance abuse.
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Al-Anon Family Groups
mutual support group of peers who share their experience related to the effects of an individual (in their life) who abuses substances. Intended for adult family members.
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Alateen Meetings
A peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s substance abuse.
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Recovery Dharma
A peer-led movement and community that is unified by trust in the potential of each of individual to recover and find freedom from the suffering of addiction. This mutual support group utilizes traditional Buddhist teachings, often referred to as the Dharma. This organization believes that recovery means empowerment.
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SMART Recovery
An evidenced-informed recovery method grounded in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), that supports people with substance dependencies or problem behaviors to: Build and maintain motivation. Cope with urges and cravings. Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Live a balanced Life.
ATOD Specific Information
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances among teens, and because the adolescent brain is still developing, alcohol can impact memory, learning, and decision-making. Even occasional use can increase the risk of accidents, academic challenges, and mental health concerns. Social pressure and stress can make alcohol seem like a way to fit in or cope, but early use raises the risk of developing unhealthy patterns later. Below are some resources that provide more detailed information on the risks, consequences, and impact of alcohol usage in teens.
Links:
Tobacco and nicotine products, including vaping devices and e-cigarettes, are commonly used by teens and can quickly lead to addiction. Because the adolescent brain is still developing, nicotine can affect attention, mood, and impulse control. Vaping is not harmless and may expose teens to chemicals that impact lung health and overall well-being. Research shows that more female adolescents are vaping in comparison to their male counterparts (Monitoring the Future, 2024). Caucasian male adolescents are using nicotine pouches more than their peers (Monitoring the Future, 2024). Below are some resources that provide more detailed information on the risks, consequences, and impact of tobacco/nicotine usage in teens.
Links:
Cannabis and THC products, including cannabis buds, vapes, and edibles, are increasingly accessible to teens and can affect brain development. Because the adolescent brain is still maturing, THC can impact memory, attention, motivation, and emotional regulation. Regular or early use is linked to academic difficulties and increased risk for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Below are some resources that provide more detailed information on the risks, consequences, and impact of cannabis/THC usage in teens (NIDA, 2024).
Links:
Kratom is a substance made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant that is sometimes sold as powders, capsules, or drinks in smoke shops and online. It contains active compounds, including 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). 7-OH is oxidized Kratom and is more potent than natural form. Kratom/7-OH in minimal dosage mimics methamphetamines/ cocaine, however in high dosage it mimics opioids. Products are often unregulated and may vary in strength or contain other substances. Kratom/7-OH, as of today, is legal and doesn't have an age restriction to purchase. Kratom/7-OH are dangerous and highly addictive, especially for adolescents, as these substances target the opioid recpetors in the brain and have adverse effects on healthy brain developement.
Links:
Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain medications (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine) as well as illegal drugs like heroin. They work by attaching to receptors in the brain that control pain and reward, which can reduce pain but also create feelings of relaxation or euphoria. Opioids strongly affect the brain’s reward system; Repeated use can lead to dependence and addiction. In recent national surveys, about 1.5–2 % of U.S. teens ages 12 – 17 reported misusing opioids in the past year (SAMHSA, 2024). Opioids have a high risk of overdose. In New Jersey, harm-reduction programs help reduce these risks by providing access to overdose-reversal medication such as Naloxone (often known by the brand Narcan) and fentanyl test strips that allow people to check substances for the presence of fentanyl. These programs aim to save lives and connect individuals to treatment and recovery resources.
Links:
Drug diversion occurs when prescription medications are shared, sold, or used by someone other than the person they were prescribed for. Among teens, this most often involves medications for pain, anxiety, or attention disorders, and it can carry serious health, legal, and school consequences. Taking medication that isn’t prescribed to you can be dangerous, especially since dosages and interactions are carefully determined for an individual’s specific needs. Below are some resources that provide more detailed information on the risks, consequences, and impact of drug diversion in teens.
Links:
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Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances among teens, and because the adolescent brain is still developing, alcohol can impact memory, learning, and decision-making. Even occasional use can increase the risk of accidents, academic challenges, and mental health concerns. Social pressure and stress can make alcohol seem like a way to fit in or cope, but early use raises the risk of developing unhealthy patterns later. Below are some resources that provide more detailed information on the risks, consequences, and impact of alcohol usage in teens.
Links:
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Tobacco and nicotine products, including vaping devices and e-cigarettes, are commonly used by teens and can quickly lead to addiction. Because the adolescent brain is still developing, nicotine can affect attention, mood, and impulse control. Vaping is not harmless and may expose teens to chemicals that impact lung health and overall well-being. Research shows that more female adolescents are vaping in comparison to their male counterparts (Monitoring the Future, 2024). Caucasian male adolescents are using nicotine pouches more than their peers (Monitoring the Future, 2024). Below are some resources that provide more detailed information on the risks, consequences, and impact of tobacco/nicotine usage in teens.
Links:
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Cannabis and THC products, including cannabis buds, vapes, and edibles, are increasingly accessible to teens and can affect brain development. Because the adolescent brain is still maturing, THC can impact memory, attention, motivation, and emotional regulation. Regular or early use is linked to academic difficulties and increased risk for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Below are some resources that provide more detailed information on the risks, consequences, and impact of cannabis/THC usage in teens (NIDA, 2024).
Links:
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Kratom is a substance made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant that is sometimes sold as powders, capsules, or drinks in smoke shops and online. It contains active compounds, including 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). 7-OH is oxidized Kratom and is more potent than natural form. Kratom/7-OH in minimal dosage mimics methamphetamines/ cocaine, however in high dosage it mimics opioids. Products are often unregulated and may vary in strength or contain other substances. Kratom/7-OH, as of today, is legal and doesn't have an age restriction to purchase. Kratom/7-OH are dangerous and highly addictive, especially for adolescents, as these substances target the opioid recpetors in the brain and have adverse effects on healthy brain developement.
Links:
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Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain medications (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine) as well as illegal drugs like heroin. They work by attaching to receptors in the brain that control pain and reward, which can reduce pain but also create feelings of relaxation or euphoria. Opioids strongly affect the brain’s reward system; Repeated use can lead to dependence and addiction. In recent national surveys, about 1.5–2 % of U.S. teens ages 12 – 17 reported misusing opioids in the past year (SAMHSA, 2024). Opioids have a high risk of overdose. In New Jersey, harm-reduction programs help reduce these risks by providing access to overdose-reversal medication such as Naloxone (often known by the brand Narcan) and fentanyl test strips that allow people to check substances for the presence of fentanyl. These programs aim to save lives and connect individuals to treatment and recovery resources.
Links:
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Drug diversion occurs when prescription medications are shared, sold, or used by someone other than the person they were prescribed for. Among teens, this most often involves medications for pain, anxiety, or attention disorders, and it can carry serious health, legal, and school consequences. Taking medication that isn’t prescribed to you can be dangerous, especially since dosages and interactions are carefully determined for an individual’s specific needs. Below are some resources that provide more detailed information on the risks, consequences, and impact of drug diversion in teens.
Links:
Intoxication and Symptoms
Intoxication is a temporary condition following the consumption of alcohol or other psychoactive substances. Symptoms of intoxication vary based on the substance and how much of the substance is consumed. Intoxication affects the nervous system causing both physical and mental symptoms.
Intoxication results in changes in your:
- Level of consciousness
- cognitive capabilities (speed/memory)
- Perception
- Mood
- Behavior
- Coordination
Mental/ Behavioral Symptoms:
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Decreased Levels of Conciousness (drowsiness/lethargy)
- Euphoria
- Hallucinations
- Impaired Judgement
- Inattention/ difficulty focusing
- Increased energy or hyperactivity
- Memory issues
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Risk taking behaviors
Physical Symptoms:
- Balance/ difficulty with coordination
- Blurred vision
- Body temperature chagnes
- constricted or dialated pupils
- Flushed face/ extremely pale/ blue tinted skin
- Heart rate changes
- High or low blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
Red Ribbon Week is the largest nationally recognized drug-abuse prevention campaign, celebrated annually in October. The campaign was initiated in 1985 after the death of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who was murdered by drug traffickers. South Hunterdon Regional School District recognizes the importance of this campaign and utilizes this week to provide comprehensive drug-education, discuss healthy decision making skills, and provide resources to those experiencing substance abuse.
September is National Recovery Month
October is National Substance Use Prevention Month
October hosts Red Ribbon week