We have treated almost 100,000 patients on our mission to save one million lives.
We have treated almost 100,000 patients on our mission to save one million lives.
South Jersey
Drug & Alcohol Rehab in New Jersey: A Comprehensive Guide
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Written by: Alexandra Talarico -
Clinically Reviewed by: Pete Vernig -
Compliance Reviewed by: Marianne Birmingham
Addiction Treatment Across the Garden State That Meets You Where You Are
If you or someone you love is struggling with drugs or alcohol, you’re not alone, and help is closer than you think. Recovery Centers of America provides comprehensive addiction treatment in New Jersey, offering compassionate, evidence-based care designed to support real, lasting recovery.
With two fully accredited drug and alcohol rehab centers in New Jersey, RCA delivers a full continuum of care—from medical detox and residential treatment to outpatient services and long-term recovery support. Whether you’re facing alcohol use disorder, opioid addiction, prescription drug misuse, or a co-occurring mental health condition, our New Jersey treatment programs create personalized recovery plans built around your unique needs, goals, and circumstances.
You will be treated with the empathy and respect you deserve, while receiving high-quality, evidence-based care, creating a supportive environment where healing can begin and continue after treatment ends.
Treatment Options in New Jersey
Recovery Centers of America’s New Jersey facilities provide comprehensive care at every stage of your recovery journey. Treatment options include medically supervised detoxification, residential inpatient programs, in-person and virtual outpatient services, case management, family support services, and a robust alumni program to support you after you leave.
Medically Supervised Detoxification
The detoxification process is often the first step in addiction recovery. During professionally monitored detox, our healthcare providers continuously monitor withdrawal progression and provide therapeutic interventions to minimize any discomfort. This medically supervised approach creates a safer, more comfortable transition for those physically dependent on addictive substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines.
Residential Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient rehab is the most comprehensive and structured approach to addiction recovery. You’ll have clinical supervision 24/7 within a safe therapeutic environment. Everyone’s experience varies, but RCA’s residential programs typically last up to 30 days. This treatment option is particularly beneficial for individuals first starting out with treatment, after relapse, those with dual diagnoses, or anyone requiring structured support during early recovery.
Core elements of our residential treatment include clinical evaluation, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate, and family-centered healing approaches. Patients engage in individual counseling, group therapy, and wellness activities designed to address addiction’s physical, psychological, and emotional aspects.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
For those who need flexibility while receiving care, RCA offers multiple outpatient options. Partial care provides structured daytime treatment 5 days per week. Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) offer therapy sessions multiple times weekly, allowing patients to maintain work and family obligations. General outpatient programs (GOP) provide ongoing support as individuals transition back to daily living. Virtual outpatient options through teletherapy extend access to evidence-based treatment for those who cannot attend in-person sessions.
Our New Jersey Addiction Treatment Center Locations
Mays Landing, NJ
5034 Atlantic Ave,
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Treatment Offerings
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), includes Suboxone and VIVITROL® Injection for Opiates & Alcohol
- Medically-Monitored Detoxification
Mays Landing, NJ
5034 Atlantic Ave,
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Treatment Offerings
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), includes Suboxone and VIVITROL® Injection for Opiates & Alcohol
- Medically-Monitored Detoxification
- Outpatient Treatment both In-Person and Virtual
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
South Amboy, NJ
901 Ernston Rd,
South Amboy, NJ 08879
Treatment Offerings
- Outpatient Treatment both In-Person and Virtual
- Residential Inpatient Treatment
- Medically-Monitored Detoxification
South Amboy, NJ
901 Ernston Rd,
South Amboy, NJ 08879
Treatment Offerings
- Outpatient Treatment both In-Person and Virtual
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Programs
- Discover: For young adults
- RESCU: For first responders and military (active or retired)
Recovery Centers of America at Lighthouse
Specialty Programs at Lighthouse
- WorkFlex Program – Enables patients to maintain virtual work or school obligations for up to 3 hours daily during inpatient treatment, removing career- and school-related barriers.
- FastTrack – For patients being referred directly from hospitals and emergency rooms. By streamlining assessment and intake, FastTrack helps eligible patients transition from the ER into treatment quickly—often the same or next day.
- Guided Meditation – Guided meditation supports comfort and emotional regulation during detox and early recovery, complementing evidence-based therapies like counseling and CBT to support the body, mind, and overall healing process.
Facility Amenities
Comfortable residential accommodations, individual TVs in each bedroom, ping pong, volleyball, basketball, a library, a fitness center including weight machines and cardiovascular machines, and chef-prepared meals.
Recovery Centers of America at Raritan Bay
Located in Central New Jersey near the New York border, RCA at Raritan Bay serves communities across Northern New Jersey and Southern New York State. This facility offers medical detox, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and specialized care for active-duty and retired military and first responders, as well as students and professionals.
Specialty Programs at Raritan Bay
- RESCU Program – Confidential addiction treatment designed specifically for active-duty military members, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders.
- FastTrack – For patients being referred directly from hospitals and emergency rooms. By streamlining assessment and intake, FastTrack helps eligible patients transition from the ER into treatment quickly—often the same or next day.
- Guided Meditation – Guided meditation supports comfort and emotional regulation during detox and early recovery, complementing evidence-based therapies like counseling and CBT to support the body, mind, and overall healing process.
Facility Amenities
Semi-private rooms with TVs in every room (private rooms available), peaceful outdoor courtyard spaces, fitness center, basketball court, yoga areas, ping pong tables, library, and chef-prepared meals.
Admissions Process
- Initial Contact – Call our 24/7 Treatment Advisors at . Our team answers questions, explains treatment options, and helps determine the most appropriate level of care for you.
- Insurance Verification – RCA is in-network with most major insurance Our admissions team verifies coverage and explains any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
- Clinical Assessment – Upon arrival, clinicians conduct thorough evaluations examining psychological wellness, physical health status, substance use patterns, and personal circumstances. This assessment guides the development of your individualized treatment plan.
- Transportation Assistance – RCA provides transportation to and from treatment facilities, at no added This way, you focus on getting help instead of logistics.
Insurance Coverage
RCA works with most major insurance providers to keep addiction treatment accessible and affordable. Insurance coverage for substance use disorder treatment varies by plan but typically includes some combination of detoxification, inpatient care, and outpatient services.
- In-Network Insurance Partners – RCA maintains in-network relationships with many insurance providers, reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients. Our admissions team contacts your insurance company directly to verify benefits and explain coverage details.
- Payment Options – For those without insurance or with high deductibles, RCA offers interest-free payment plans. Our financial counselors work with patients to develop manageable payment arrangements that don’t prevent anyone from accessing necessary care.
Evidence-Based Treatments
RCA uses personalized combinations of science-backed therapies complemented by person- centered care to address addiction’s complex physical, psychological, and social components.
01 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT effectively addresses both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions by helping individuals identify and transform negative thought patterns and behaviors. Key components include analysis of automatic thought processes, behavioral activation strategies, and development of effective coping mechanisms. Research consistently demonstrates CBT’s effectiveness in treating various substance dependencies.
02 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT skills training helps patients manage emotions, tolerate distress, and improve interpersonal relationships. This approach proves particularly valuable for individuals whose substance use developed as a coping mechanism for emotional dysregulation or trauma.
03Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies for treating alcohol and opioid use disorders. Medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone), naltrexone (Vivitrol), and others reduce withdrawal symptoms, diminish cravings, and block euphoric effects of certain substances. Our expert team understands that medications alone cannot ensure sustained recovery, which is why MAT in New Jersey, when clinically appropriate, is always combined with therapeutic interventions addressing both physical dependence and psychological factors driving substance use.
04 Motivational Interviewing (MI)
This collaborative approach helps patients resolve ambivalence about treatment and develop intrinsic motivation for change. Motivational interviewing respects individual autonomy while gently guiding patients toward healthier choices.
05 Family Education and Coaching
Acknowledging addiction’s impact on family systems, treatment incorporates family members in the recovery process. Family education and coaching enhances communication patterns, resolves conflicts, and facilitates smoother reintegration into family dynamics after treatment concludes.
06 Whole-Person Wellness Practices
Quality treatment complements evidence-based approaches with integrative healing modalities promoting comprehensive wellness. These include mindfulness practices, stress- reduction techniques, physical fitness activities, creative outlets, and nutritional guidance.
Specialized Treatment Pathways
RCA’s drug rehab in New Jersey offers 3 distinct treatment tracks addressing various recovery stages and needs:
01
Foundations of Recovery
Ideal for individuals new to addiction treatment, this pathway provides essential education, introduces fundamental recovery concepts, and establishes foundations for sober living. The program addresses common concerns and uncertainties people experience when beginning recovery journeys.
02
Fresh Start
Developed for those with previous treatment experience, this approach builds upon existing knowledge while enhancing coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies learned during earlier recovery attempts.
03
Balance
This specialized pathway incorporates dual diagnosis treatment, addressing co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder alongside substance use disorders. Research consistently demonstrates that integrated approaches produce superior outcomes compared to addressing each condition separately.
01 Foundations of Recovery
Ideal for individuals new to addiction treatment, this pathway provides essential education, introduces fundamental recovery concepts, and establishes foundations for sober living. The program addresses common concerns and uncertainties people experience when beginning recovery journeys.
02 Fresh Start
Developed for those with previous treatment experience, this approach builds upon existing knowledge while enhancing coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies learned during earlier recovery attempts.
03 Balance
This specialized pathway incorporates dual diagnosis treatment, addressing co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder alongside substance use disorders. Research consistently demonstrates that integrated approaches produce superior outcomes compared to addressing each condition separately.
400+ 5-STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS
What Our Patients Say
"RCA Lighthouse is doing incredible things! The staff from the CEO to food services to the Support staff and so on are second to none. This is an experience you will not find at other treatment centers. The facility is clean and comfortable and the program is fantastic. If you need treatment, call RCA Lighthouse!"
- Shawn G.
"I can not thank RCA enough for changing my life for the better. I would not be the person I am today without them. Jill and the Alumni Association have created a great community and environment at Lighthouse! They go above and beyond to give everyone and their families an amazing afternoon out!"
- Chris W.
"Recovery Centers of America (RCA) has saved, changed and enhanced my outlook in life and my perspective to recovery. I am not alone, I am surrounded by people who have had the same struggles and want to help me along my path to recovery. Though the journey is long, the reward is priceless."
- Jose G.
"I had a great stay at recovery centers of America in Mays Landing, New Jersey. They taught me many new coping mechanisms as well as helped me take care of insurance and other life issues I have outside of my recovery. The transportation was second to none. And I am eternally grateful for all the wonderful people I met during this chapter of my life."
- Aaron O.
"RCA Lighthouse is doing incredible things! The staff from the CEO to food services to the Support staff and so on are second to none. This is an experience you will not find at other treatment centers. The facility is clean and comfortable and the program is fantastic. If you need treatment, call RCA Lighthouse!"
- SHAWN G.
"I can not thank RCA enough for changing my life for the better. I would not be the person I am today without them. Jill and the Alumni Association have created a great community and environment at Lighthouse! They go above and beyond to give everyone and their families an amazing afternoon out!"
- CHRIS W.
"Recovery Centers of America (RCA) has saved, changed and enhanced my outlook in life and my perspective to recovery. I am not alone, I am surrounded by people who have had the same struggles and want to help me along my path to recovery. Though the journey is long, the reward is priceless."
- JOSE G.
"I had a great stay at recovery centers of America in Mays Landing, New Jersey. They taught me many new coping mechanisms as well as helped me take care of insurance and other life issues I have outside of my recovery. The transportation was second to none. And I am eternally grateful for all the wonderful people I met during this chapter of my life."
- AARON O.
Substance Abuse in New Jersey: Understanding the Challenge
New Jersey faces significant substance abuse challenges, although recent data shows encouraging progress. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, overdose deaths among state residents dropped from 3,171 in 2022 to 2,816 in 2023. This is an 11% reduction, with preliminary 2024 data suggesting continued improvement.
Despite this progress, the numbers remain concerning. More than seven New Jerseyans lost their lives to overdose every day in 2023. The majority of these deaths involved fentanyl or its analogs, often complicated by adulterants like xylazine.
Treatment demand remains substantial. In 2022, substance use disorder treatment providers reported 85,266 treatment admissions to the New Jersey Department of Human Services. Alcohol and heroin were the most commonly reported substances, followed by other opiates, cocaine, and marijuana.
Access to treatment presents ongoing challenges. One in four people needing clinical intervention for substance use disorders do not receive professional care. Barriers include lack of information about available resources, stigma, insurance limitations, and logistical obstacles.
New Jersey has invested heavily in addressing these challenges. The state is receiving over $1 billion from opioid litigation settlements, with substantial funds dedicated to expanding harm reduction infrastructure and treatment access.
Why Choose RCA for Treatment in New Jersey?
Clinical Excellence
Recovery Centers of America ranked among Newsweek’s 2025 America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers, reflecting our commitment to evidence-based care and positive patient outcomes.
Experienced Staff
RCA’s multidisciplinary teams bring specialized expertise and compassionate understanding to every patient interaction. Our staff includes physicians, nurse practitioners, clinicians specializing in addiction treatment, recovery support specialists (many with personal recovery experience), and care coordinators who facilitate transition planning and ongoing support.
Trauma-Informed Approach
Many substance use disorders originate in traumatic experiences requiring specialized interventions. RCA employs trauma-sensitive assessment protocols, therapeutic environments designed for psychological safety, and integrated methodologies that address trauma impacts alongside substance use patterns.
Continuum of Care
Clinical research consistently demonstrates that extended treatment engagement correlates with improved recovery outcomes. RCA provides graduated transitions through decreasing intensity levels, enabling individuals to implement recovery strategies with gradually reduced support while building independence and self-efficacy.
Alumni Support
Recovery extends beyond formal treatment. RCA’s alumni association provides ongoing recovery meetings, sober social events, and continued connection to the recovery community. These resources help individuals maintain momentum and find fellowship in sobriety.
Local Resources and Community Support
Sustainable recovery benefits from community-based support systems that complement formal treatment. New Jersey offers diverse resources helping individuals reinforce skills developed during structured interventions.
Peer-Based Support Groups
- 12-Step Meetings – Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) maintain extensive meeting networks across New Jersey, supporting recovery from various substance dependencies.
- SMART Recovery – This science-based program meets regularly throughout the state, emphasizing self-empowerment through cognitive behavioral
- Gender-Specific Communities – Women for Sobriety and Men for Sobriety create dedicated spaces where gender-specific recovery challenges receive focused
- Mindfulness-Centered Recovery – Refuge Recovery and Recovery Dharma integrate Buddhist principles and meditation practices throughout recovery.
- Family Support Networks – Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and Learn to Cope offer essential resources for families affected by a loved one’s substance use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What treatment programs does RCA offer in New Jersey?
RCA’s New Jersey facilities provide medically supervised detox, residential inpatient treatment (typically 30 days), partial care (sometimes referred to as PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and RCA at Raritan Bay offers general outpatient programs (GOP) . Specialized tracks address gambling disorder, military/first responder needs, professionals and students, relapse prevention, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
How do I start recovery at RCA in New Jersey?
Call our 24/7 treatment advisors at 1.800.RECOVERY. We verify insurance, answer questions, and can arrange same-day admission when needed. Transportation to our facilities is included in the cost of treatment.
Does insurance cover addiction treatment at RCA?
RCA is in-network with most major insurance providers. Our admissions team verifies your specific coverage and explains benefits before treatment begins. Interest-free payment plans are available for those without insurance or with high deductibles.
What programs are offered at RCA at Lighthouse?
RCA at Lighthouse in Mays Landing offers medical detox, residential treatment, and outpatient services. Specialty programs include WorkFlex (allowing patients to maintain virtual work obligations during treatment), FastTrack (fast admissions from hospitals or ER), spirituality and Christian groups, LGBTQIA+ groups, gambling disorder treatment, and more.
What makes RCA at Raritan Bay unique?
RCA at Raritan Bay in South Amboy serves Northern New Jersey and Southern New York communities. It offers comprehensive residential and outpatient services, our RESCU program for military members and first responders, gambling disorder treatment, spirituality and Christian groups, guided meditation, and more.
How long does addiction treatment last?
Treatment duration varies based on individual needs. Residential programs typically last up to 30 days, although treatment length varies from person to person. Outpatient programs range from several weeks to several months depending on the level of care and patient progress.
Is New Jersey a good state for addiction treatment?
New Jersey offers robust treatment infrastructure and access to medication-assisted treatment. The State has invested significantly in harm reduction and recovery services. RCA’s two accredited facilities provide evidence-based care meeting national quality standards.
Can I work while in treatment at RCA?
RCA at Lighthouse offers the WorkFlex program, allowing pre-approved patients to spend up to 3 hours daily maintaining virtual work obligations during inpatient treatment.
Outpatient programs also accommodate work schedules.
Taking the First Step Toward Recovery
Addiction recovery begins with a single decision. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, compassionate help is available right now.
RCA’s Treatment Advisors are available 24 hours a day to answer questions, verify insurance coverage, and help you access care. We understand that reaching out takes courage, and we’re here to support you through every step of the process.
Recovery is possible. Thousands of RCA alumni have rebuilt their lives through our evidence- based treatment programs. Your story can be one of them.
Recovery Centers of America is committed to helping individuals achieve lasting recovery from addiction. Our New Jersey facilities provide evidence-based treatment in supportive environments designed for healing.