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Emotional Fitness Check-In: How much substance use is too much? Are you or is someone you know at risk for addiction?

How much non-prescribed medication is too much? When does casual drinking border on alcohol abuse? Substance misuse may be hard to recognize but it may also have a huge effect on both physical and mental health. The problem is widespread.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, “In 2012, an estimated 22.2 million persons aged 12 or older were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year (8.5 percent of the population aged 12 or older)…” based on specified criteria.

For a free, confidential Substance Use Disorder Screening call the New Jersey MentalHealthCares Helpline at 1-866-202-HELP(4357) (TTY 877-294-4356).

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“This service is part of Emotional Health Fitness Check-in, a new initiative of the New Jersey MentalHealthCares Helpline. We hope that anyone who has a question about substance dependence will take a few minutes to call. We need to spread the word that substance use and mental health disorders are treatable and that with help, people can often get their lives back on track. The Helpline also continues its commitment to serving as the state-wide resource for support, information and referral for emotional health and/or addiction concerns,” said Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, which runs the Helpline.

“All of our callers benefit from the experience and training of our caring mental health professionals and our comprehensive database of over 3000 resources for referral. The Emotional Health Fitness Check-in enables us to provide screenings for common behavioral health problems. Although the screenings are not diagnostic, they do offer valuable insights, helping to identify symptoms and behaviors associated with substance misuse, including non-prescribed medication, illegal drugs and alcohol,” stated Stephanie Mulfinger, Director of Call Center Services for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey.

Find out what's happening in Verona-Cedar Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Phone-in Depression Screening is also available from New Jersey MentalHealthCares. Additional screenings will be added in the coming months.

Although the screenings are not diagnostic, they may provide valuable insight helping to identify if someone is exhibiting symptoms associated with mental health or substance use disorders and if they should seek help.

The New Jersey MentalHealthCares Helpline is funded by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Assistance is available in many languages. For more information call 1-866-202-HELP(4357) (TTY 877-294-4356).

About the MHANJ

The Mental Health Association in New Jersey provides advocacy, education, and support services to improve the mental health for children and adults. The MHANJ's statewide headquarters is in Verona, with additional offices in Atlantic, Hudson, Ocean and Union Counties. For more information visit mhanj.org or call 973-571-4100. 

 

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