The Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction has expanded the scope of its Opioid Overdose Recovery Program (OORP) to support individuals affected by a broader range of substances beyond opioids. The program now includes clients using alcohol, stimulants, synthetic drugs, and other substances with a high risk of fatal overdose.
The change, approved by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), reflects the evolving nature of substance use in New Jersey and nationwide.
Since 2017, OORP has reduced barriers to recovery by offering immediate support after an overdose or substance-related crisis. The program is peer-led: Certified Peer Recovery Specialists — individuals with lived recovery experience — meet with clients one-on-one to start developing a personalized recovery plan. A Patient Navigator provides coaching, coordination, and ongoing support for 8 to 12 weeks.
Originally focused on opioid cases, the program now meets the growing need for support among people using other high-risk substances, especially in combination with opioids.
Fatal overdoses involving stimulants, sedatives, and synthetic substances are on the rise. Cocaine, methamphetamine, benzodiazepines, and alcohol are now frequently involved in overdose deaths, especially when mixed with fentanyl or tranquilizers like xylazine.
As a result, many people now face overdose risk even without intentionally using opioids. This expansion enables the Mercer Council’s team to serve those who might otherwise fall outside traditional overdose response systems.
Expanded outreach began in April 2025, following a three-month preparation phase. While hospital-based services still focus on opioid overdoses, the broader scope is now active through community partners, direct referrals, and non-emergency outreach.
For more information or to request Intervention-Recovery Support contact David DeCamp, OORP Patient Navigator, at 609-651-1623 or ddecamp@mercercouncil.org.
Visit www.mercercouncil.org for more information about services and resources.
