Support for Members in Recovery

COVID-19-related stress has led to increases in alcohol and substance use over the past year. In addition, higher levels of suspected overdose deaths were reported in New Jersey in 2020.

Staying on the path to recovery is especially important during difficult times.

Support in recovery

Many people in recovery from alcohol and other Substance Use Disorders may rely on in-person meetings with their counselor or doctor to help keep them on track. If you do, we are here for you. The Horizon Behavioral Health team can help you find the right support and programs that fit your needs – both in an office and virtual.

These organizations can help you find a range of virtual meetings to support your recovery – from phone calls to online chat rooms to video services using platforms like Skype or Zoom.

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• SMART Recovery
• County-level support (NJ)

Telemedicine: an increasingly popular option

Over a year into the public health emergency, there has been a major shift to the use of online recovery support groups and telemedicine appointments.

In early 2020, telemedicine services accounted for 1% of our members’ behavioral health appointments; by December 2020, telemedicine services accounted for close to 60%. In addition, attendance at virtual recovery meetings has increased in all age groups – reported at 5 times pre-COVID-19 levels.

Horizon BCBSNJ’s Horizon CareOnline℠ can help if you or a loved one needs support for stress, depression or anxiety. You can schedule a telemedicine appointment with a licensed behavioral health specialist for conditions such as anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.

Consider using online support groups and telemedicine services to help you stay on track for recovery and for behavioral health support.