Local Addiction Treatment Guide for Lakewood, NJ

A Local Guide to Addiction Recovery Resources in Lakewood, NJ

Lakewood: A Growing Community with Deep Cultural Identity

Lakewood is one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing communities, home to a diverse population and a rich cultural landscape. Its neighborhoods combine long-standing residential areas with newly developed districts, creating a blend of tradition and growth that shapes daily life. While the township is bustling, it still maintains strong neighborhood ties, with families, students, and professionals contributing to a vibrant local identity.

Much of Lakewood’s daily rhythm centers around its community institutions, independent businesses, parks, and walkable corridors. Residents often gather at Town Square, run errands along Clifton Avenue, or spend time in Pine Park’s wooded trails. These familiar routines can help reinforce grounding and stability, especially for individuals working to rebuild structure in their lives.

Lakewood’s sizable business community, religious institutions, and educational centers provide additional support networks that make the township feel connected and supportive. Its location also places residents close to the Jersey Shore, nearby towns like Toms River and Brick, and major roadways, creating a balance between local comfort and regional access. Altogether, Lakewood’s mix of community, predictability, and cultural cohesion can help residents establish steady, healthy routines.

Local Economy & Work Opportunities: Education, Manufacturing & Business Services

Lakewood has a broad economic base supported by manufacturing, education, healthcare, wholesale distribution, and a wide range of small businesses. This variety makes it easier for individuals at different skill levels to find employment opportunities that offer structure, an important component of long-term recovery.

Major Employers in and Around Lakewood

• Lakewood Township Public Schools: Employment opportunities include administrative support, custodial work, transportation, and classroom roles.
• Lakewood Industrial Park: One of New Jersey’s largest industrial parks, home to dozens of warehouses, manufacturers, and distribution centers. Offers roles in logistics, production, packaging, inventory, and machine operation.
• Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus: Provides jobs in patient services, facilities, clerical support, and healthcare operations.
• NJ Transit: Offers positions in maintenance, transportation services, and administrative tasks.
• Local Retail & Hospitality Employers (Clifton Ave & Route 9 Corridor): Accessible entry-level positions in customer service, stocking, food service, and management support.

Stable employment can bring daily structure, accountability, and renewed confidence. Lakewood’s mix of large campuses, industrial employers, and small businesses offers multiple pathways for rebuilding professional stability.

Transportation & Accessibility: Connecting Lakewood Residents to Work, Wellness & Community

Reliable transportation can play a major role in supporting consistency, whether someone is commuting to work, traveling to appointments, or engaging with community resources. Lakewood’s transportation network offers several accessible options that make it easier for residents to maintain structure and stay connected during recovery.

At the center of local transit is the Ocean Ride Bus System, which provides affordable routes throughout Lakewood and the surrounding towns, including Brick, Toms River, Jackson, and Point Pleasant. These routes connect residents to employment hubs, grocery stores, fitness centers, libraries, and medical services without requiring a personal vehicle.

Lakewood is also serviced by multiple NJ Transit bus lines, including routes along Route 9 and Clifton Avenue that connect to regional destinations such as Freehold, Howell, Toms River, and even northbound toward major rail connections. For many individuals reestablishing independence, having consistent access to public transit can reduce barriers and help reinforce daily routines.

Major roadways—including Route 9, County Line Road, and the Garden State Parkway—provide clear access for those who drive, making it straightforward to reach workplaces, wellness resources, and community supports in the region.

Together, these transportation options help Lakewood residents remain mobile, engaged, and supported as they build healthier, more stable lives.

Community Anchors: Local Institutions That Foster Belonging & Support

Community spaces play an essential role in helping individuals maintain social connection, structure, and engagement, key elements of recovery. Lakewood offers several institutions where residents can learn, gather, and feel supported.

• Lakewood Public Library — 301 Lexington Ave, Lakewood, NJ: Provides access to books, digital resources, study areas, and workshops that promote learning and routine.
• St. Mary of the Lake Church —43 Madison Ave, Lakewood, NJ: A longstanding parish offering spiritual support, community events, and volunteer opportunities.
• Bais Tova Community Center — 555 Oak St, Lakewood, NJ: Offers youth activities, educational programs, and community services that encourage connection and involvement.
• Lakewood Recreation Department — 231 Third Street, Lakewood, NJ: Provides sports programs, fitness classes, and events for all ages—offering positive outlets for engagement and daily structure.

These community anchors help residents feel grounded and connected, reinforcing stable routines that support long-term well-being.

Fitness & Nutrition: Local Wellness Options That Encourage Routine & Balance

Creating steady wellness routines around movement and nutrition can help individuals feel more grounded during recovery. Lakewood and its neighboring towns offer accessible gyms, specialty studios, and food resources that make healthy habits easier to maintain.

Fitness Resources

• Jersey Strong – 300 Gordons Corner Rd, Manalapan, NJ: A full-service fitness center offering group training, strength equipment, cardio, and personal coaching. The structured environment supports routine-building and physical confidence.
• Planet Fitness – 4075 US-9, Howell Township, NJ: A welcoming space for individuals returning to exercise. Its flexible hours and approachable equipment make daily movement manageable.
• Bask Hot Yoga – 1957 NJ-88, Brick, NJ: A hot yoga studio focused on vinyasa and flow classes that emphasize breath, balance, and mental focus. The supportive environment can help with stress reduction, body awareness, and emotional regulation.

Nutrition & Healthy Food Resources

• Season’s Kosher Supermarket – 711 Cedar Bridge Ave, Lakewood, NJ: Provides fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and health-forward prepared foods suited for balanced meal planning.
• Lakewood Farmers Market – 1771 Ocean Ave, Lakewood, NJ: Features locally sourced seasonal produce and specialty foods that support whole-food nutrition and community engagement.
• Aisle 9 Lakewood – 951 Madison Ave, Lakewood, NJ: A neighborhood grocery and market providing fresh fruits and vegetables, pantry staples, and ready-made items. It’s a practical option for stocking up on everyday essentials that support consistent, recovery-friendly nutrition.

Together, these resources help residents create wellness routines that reinforce physical health, emotional balance, and long-term stability.

Local Stats You Need to Know

Ocean County, including Lakewood, is struggling with substance abuse like the rest of the state, which recorded 2,816 overdose deaths in 2023, a decline from previous years, but still a concerning number.[1] Within that same year, there were 168 overdose deaths in Ocean County.[2]

Opioids are at the center of the issue. The county dispensed 285,015 opioid prescriptions in 2023, highlighting the need for effective pain control and monitoring for substance abuse risks.[3] However, community initiatives are helping to mitigate the threat, as evidenced by 677 naloxone administrations from first responders in the county.[4]
There are more risks beyond opioids, however. County drug rehab centers indicated admissions involving cocaine, marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, and alcohol. The state’s alcohol-related deaths are lower than the averages across the country, but 3,008 deaths due to alcohol still show a problem.[5] Ocean County’s excessive alcohol use is a concern, including the 13.1% binge drinking rate reported by residents.[6]
Addiction treatment centers, including Lakewood drug rehab and Lakewood alcohol rehab on an inpatient or outpatient basis, can help. The state reported 82,176 treatment admissions and nearly as many discharges from treatment providers, indicating potential successful treatment outcomes.[7] Ocean County had 3,602 admissions to recovery centers, and approximately 370 in centers for drug rehab in Lakewood, NJ.[8]

Sober Activities in Lakewood

• Have a picnic by the water at Ocean County Park.
• Try fun watersports on Lake Carasaljo.
• Go fishing or hiking at Lake Shenandoah County Park.
• Learn about local heritage at Lakewood Historical Museum.
• Experience living history at Allaire State Park.

Directions From Lakewood to SOBA NJ

• Head toward Kenyon Dr on Swarthmore Ave. Go for 0.1 mi.
• Turn left onto New Hampshire Ave (CR-623). Go for 0.4 mi.
• Turn right onto Cedar Bridge Ave (CR-528). Go for 1.7 mi.
• Continue on S Clifton Ave (CR-528). Go for 220 ft.
• Continue on S Clifton Ave.
• Turn left onto Main St (RT-88). Go for 0.1 mi.
• Turn right onto Madison Ave (US-9). Go for 15.6 mi.
• Keep left onto US Highway 9 (US-9 N). Go for 4.6 mi.
• Take left ramp onto State Route 18 (RT-18 N) toward New Brunswick. Go for 7.7 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions