We know when an individual develops a substance abuse disorder, the impact on the family and loved ones is tremendous. I am happy to share this guest blog written by Josie Brining, Lead Program Coordinator for the Center for Family Services – ReConnections Family Support Center. This center is one of three regional centers in New Jersey providing free support to families who have a member who is dealing with a substance use issue.

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You Don’t Have to Do This Alone:
Hope and Support for New Jersey Families

One of the most common things we hear from families after they’ve connected with one of our New Jersey Family Support Centers is: “I wish I had known about this sooner.”

When someone you love is experiencing challenges related to substance use, it can be difficult to know where to turn. You may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or like you’ve tried everything. Whether you’re just beginning to ask questions or have been navigating this journey for years, one thing is true: you do not have to navigate this journey alone.

At the New Jersey Family Support Centers, we believe families deserve support, too. Each family’s journey is different, which is why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our grant-funded programs provide education, peer support, case management, and evidence-based resources for family members and friends affected by a loved one’s substance use. Best of all, your loved one does not have to be in treatment or even recognize they need help for you to receive support, and all services are provided at no cost through state grant funding.

Our Centers are staffed by Family Support Specialists with lived experience who understand firsthand the challenges families can face. When appropriate, they may draw from their own experiences to offer hope, understanding, and practical encouragement. Families often tell us there is comfort in speaking with someone who truly understands, not just through training, but through lived experience. Our role is not to tell families what to do. Instead, it is to walk alongside them with evidence-based tools, compassionate peer support, and the reassurance that they do not have to face this journey alone.

One participant shared: “This program has changed my life. It has provided me with the tools to communicate with my loved one in healthier ways, and the CRAFT techniques really work.” Our work is rooted in Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), an evidence-based approach developed by Dr. Robert Meyers. CRAFT helps families strengthen communication, set healthy boundaries, reduce conflict, and support positive change while also prioritizing their own wellbeing. One of the reasons we use this approach is because it provides families with practical communication tools that can make a meaningful difference. Research has found that 64% to 75% of individuals whose families use CRAFT eventually engage in treatment.

Healing does not happen only during appointments. Families often tell us how meaningful it is to connect with others who truly understand what they are going through. That is why we offer family support groups, wellness activities, book clubs, self-care events, and educational workshops. These opportunities help families build connection, reduce isolation, and remember that caring for themselves is an important part of caring for someone they love.

Your first conversation is simply that, a conversation. We understand that asking for help can feel overwhelming, so we have worked to remove as many barriers as possible. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and begin exploring what support looks like for you and your family.

A member of our team will connect with you within 24 to 48 hours of your initial outreach.

Services are flexible to meet your needs and are available in person, over the phone, or through telehealth. Educational materials can be mailed directly to your home, and transportation assistance is available when needed. Our team provides after-hours, weekend, and holiday on-call support, and offers bilingual services for Spanish-speaking families because everyone deserves access to compassionate, culturally responsive care.

Families across New Jersey often discover something they wish they had known sooner: that support is not only available for their loved one—it is available for them, too. You do not have to wait until things get worse. You do not have to wait until your loved one is ready for treatment. And you do not have to have all the answers before asking for help. Sometimes hope begins with one conversation. We are here when you are ready.

Connect with Your Regional Family Support Center

Northern Region
Serving: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties
CarePlus New Jersey – Family Support Center
Jenna Sherfer, Program Coordinator
201-669-7309
jennas@careplusnj.org

Central Region
Serving: Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, and Union Counties
Prevention Resources – Sharing the Hope Family Support Center
Cieran Carthy, Program Manager
908-484-6437
ccarthy@njprevent.com

Southern Region
Serving: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem Counties
Center for Family Services – ReConnections Family Support Center
Josie Brining, Lead Program Coordinator
609-970-5595 or 877.922.2377
josie.brining@centerffs.org