Local Addiction Treatment Guide for Highlands, NJ

A Local Guide to Addiction Recovery Resources in Highlands, NJ

Understanding Highlands’ Community, Wellness & Local Support

Highlands is a small waterfront borough at the northern tip of the Jersey Shore, known for its steep hills, sweeping ocean views, and close-knit neighborhoods. With just over 4,500 residents, the town has a quieter, more personal feel than many coastal communities [1]. Life here revolves around the water, local eateries, marina culture, and the walkable downtown area. The community’s resilience is woven through its identity—Highlands has rebuilt repeatedly after storms, strengthening bonds among residents and cultivating an environment where people look out for one another.

For individuals working toward recovery, this sense of resilience and community connection can be grounding. The rhythm of daily life in Highlands is slower and more intentional: morning walks by the bay, regular stops at local cafés, and easy access to nature help encourage mindful routines. The town’s size allows people to build relationships naturally, reducing isolation and supporting a return to structure. Highlands offers an environment where healing can feel supported by the landscape itself, allowing residents to rebuild with steadiness and purpose.

Highlands’ Local Economy: Maritime, Tourism & Regional Employment Stability

The economy in Highlands is shaped by its waterfront location, small-business core, and proximity to major employment hubs in Monmouth County. Many residents work in maritime services, dining and hospitality, construction, transportation, or commute to nearby towns such as Atlantic Highlands, Middletown, Red Bank, and Sandy Hook’s national recreation areas. This blend of local opportunities and easy regional access creates options for various skill levels, making employment more flexible for those rebuilding their lives.

Major Employers in and Around Highlands

• Proving Ground Restaurant: A local employer offering roles in food service, hospitality, and operations.
• Bahrs Landing Restaurant: A longstanding waterfront landmark and seasonal employer.
• Twin Lights State Historic Site: Offers site management, visitor services, and seasonal education roles.
• Middletown Township Public Schools: A major nearby employer with opportunities in support services, facilities, transportation, and administration.
• Riverview Medical Center (Red Bank): Provides jobs in patient services, support departments, and administrative roles.

Employment brings structure and accountability, two stabilizers that support long-term recovery. Highlands’ local and regional job landscape helps residents find roles aligned with their goals, energy levels, and schedules.

Community Anchors: Public Spaces That Encourage Connection & Stability

Recovery thrives when people feel connected to supportive environments. Highlands and nearby Atlantic Highlands offer several community hubs, including libraries, churches, recreation centers, and cultural sites, that provide structure, belonging, and opportunities for reflection.

• Highlands Community Center —22 Snug Harbor Ave, Highlands, NJ: A local gathering place offering recreational programming, classes, and community events.
• Atlantic Highlands Public Library — 100 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ: Just minutes from Highlands, this library offers programs, study spaces, meetings, and access to technology—ideal for establishing calm daily routines.
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church — 141 Navesink Ave, Highlands, NJ: A longstanding parish that provides spiritual support, volunteer opportunities, and community connection.
• Twin Lights Historic Site — 2 Lighthouse Rd, Highlands, NJ: Beyond being a historical landmark, the area offers quiet grounds and scenic overlooks that support reflection and grounding.

These community anchors provide meaningful structure, helping individuals in recovery stay engaged, connected, and supported.

Fitness & Nutrition: Local Wellness Resources That Reinforce Healthy Routines (≈200 words)

Movement and nourishment play meaningful roles in supporting the emotional and physical balance needed for recovery. Highlands offers several accessible fitness studios, gyms, and natural-food resources that help residents develop grounding daily rituals. The town’s hilly landscape and waterfront paths naturally encourage active living, while local wellness businesses create safe, encouraging spaces to build routine.

Fitness Options

• The Atlantic Club — 1904 Atlantic Ave, Manasquan, NJ: A comprehensive fitness center offering classes, aquatics, weight training, yoga, and wellness programs. Its structured environment is ideal for those seeking variety and guidance.
• F45 Training Middletown — 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ: A team-oriented functional fitness studio offering 45-minute workouts that build strength, endurance, and routine. The community feel encourages accountability and engagement.
• MOGA Movement Arts – 131 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ: A yoga and barre studio focused on mindful, low-impact movement. It offers a calming space to reconnect with breath, reduce stress, and support emotional balance.

Nutrition & Healthy Food Resources

• Super Foodtown of Atlantic Highlands — 3 Bayshore Plaza, Atlantic Highlands, NJ:  A full-service supermarket offering fresh produce, deli items, grab-and-go meals, and a natural/organic foods section. Reliable for weekly groceries and balanced meal planning.
• Green’s Natural Foods – 490 Broad St, Shrewsbury, NJ: An organic and natural-food grocer a reasonable drive from Highlands, with a broad selection of produce, whole foods, and wellness items if you want clean eating or dietary variety.
• Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce Farmers’ Market — 68 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ: A seasonal weekly farmers’ market offering fresh produce, local seafood, baked goods, and community-oriented food vendors — a good option for fresh, locally-sourced meals and connection with neighbors.

These fitness and nutrition resources empower residents to build routines that support energy, emotional steadiness, and long-term recovery.

Local Stats You Need to Know

Like much of the shore area, the Highlands and the surrounding Monmouth County are struggling with substance abuse. Monmouth County reported 135 suspected overdose fatalities in 2023, while the state total was more than 2,800.[2,3] While overdose fatalities are decreasing due to government efforts to expand access to drug rehabilitation centers and harm reduction like naloxone, county law enforcement and other first responders administered naloxone approximately 900 times.[4]

Residents are seeking treatment, though. Statewide, addiction treatment providers reported over 82,000 treatment admissions in the state, while Monmouth County addiction treatment providers reported more than 3,400 treatment admissions.[5] The county also reported dispensing 252,496 opioid prescriptions.[6]

Sober Activities in Highlands

• Tour the Twin Lights State Historic Site.
• Take in the views from Mount Mitchell Scenic Overlook.
• Have a deep-sea adventure with Jenna P Sportfishing charters.
• Go on a hike through the Lenape Woods Nature Preserve.
• Take the family to Jungle Jim and Jane’s indoor playground
• Try wakesurfing or wakeboarding with Salty Dog Water Sports.
• Sample the local catch at Bahrs Landing Seafood Restaurant and Marina.
• Enjoy the outdoors at Gateway National Recreation Area.
• Pick up specialty coffee and try new concoctions at Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Attending Rehab in Highlands