Need Support?
If this is an Emergency
If you are in crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Help Contact Numbers
Mercer County Crisis Center 609-396-4357
Mercer Opioid Overdose Recovery Program 24/7 609-651-1623
NJ Suicide Helpline 1-855-654-6735
Addictions Hotline of NJ 1-877-652-1148/ 211
Addiction Hotline 1-800-238-2333
Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-572-7233
Child Care Help Line 1-800-332-9227
ReachNJ Helpline 1-844-ReachNJ
Veteran's Counseling Hotline 1-866-838-7654
Start the Conversation: Opioids
Teen brains are still developing into the mid twenties and are susceptible to life long effects from substance misuse. See how Joel and his dad Jamie learn about the dangers and addiction potential of opioid use from Joel's pediatrician on this short video. Feel free to share this important message with parents, spread it through social media, or post the link to your website.
When to Seek Help
If you’re worried about your own drug or alcohol use, here are some of the warning signs to look for:
- Often taking more of the substance for a longer period than intended
- Ongoing desire or unsuccessful efforts to reduce use
- Great deal of time spent to obtain, use, or recover from substance
- Craving the substance
- Failure to fulfill obligations at work, home, or school as a result of continued use
- Continued use despite ongoing relationship problems caused or worsened by use
- Giving up or reducing social, occupational, or recreational activities because of use
- Repeated use in physically dangerous situations (like drinking or using other drugs while driving)
- Continued use despite ongoing physical or mental health problems caused or worsened by use
- Developing tolerance (feeling less effect from the substance with continued use)
- Withdrawal symptoms if substance is reduced or discontinued
There are many signs, both physical and behavioral, that may indicate drug use in a friend or family member. Each drug has its own unique manifestations, but there are some general indications that a person is using drugs:
- Sudden change in behavior
- Mood swings; irritable and grumpy and then suddenly happy and bright
- Withdrawal from family members
- Careless about personal grooming
- Loss of interest in hobbies, sports and other favorite activities
- Changed sleeping pattern; up at night and sleeping during the day
- Red or glassy eyes
Contact us with more questions
Steps to Action Recovery Treatment is a project sponsored by the Prevention Coalition of Mercer County, The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Mercer County Police Chiefs Association. This information packet is designed to provide assistance and information for people in need of treatment for addiction.
For youth and families to thrive in a safe and healthy environment, communities must address the numerous risk factors that lead to the early use of alcohol and other drugs, often the first step on a path to addiction.
Our suggested collection of resources and fact sheets providing you with the facts and infoirmation you need to make choices.
