Ocean City, NJ Addiction Treatment & Local Recovery Resources

Local Addiction Recovery Resource Guide for Ocean City, New Jersey

The coastal resort city of Ocean City, located in Cape May County, has been dubbed “America’s Greatest Family Resort” by the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce.[1] There are between 11,500–11,600 residents year-round living in the town of Ocean City.[2]

What makes Ocean City distinctive and potentially helpful for someone in recovery is its beachfront and boardwalk environment, access to ocean and bay waters, and a community identity rooted in family-oriented recreation.

For those recovering from addiction, living in close proximity to the water (or having access to the ocean), along with the benefits of breathing sea air, may be emotionally resetting, allow for introspection, and provide the most inexpensive way to engage in physical activity. The ebb and flow of the resort cycle, coupled with the calm of off-peak months, provides opportunities for creating structure, lower levels of stress, and supporting the goal of successfully obtaining a long-term recovery lifestyle.

In addition, the “dry town” (no sale of alcohol) status that Ocean City has maintained since its founding is supportive of individuals seeking to maintain their sobriety.[3]

Work, Seasonal Economy & What Life Looks Like in Ocean City: Opportunities and Tradeoffs

Because Ocean City’s economy is heavily influenced by tourism, hospitality, retail, and seasonal work, many jobs follow a seasonal or part-time rhythm, especially in accommodation, food service, shops, and boardwalk amusements. While this may offer opportunities for flexibility (i.e., individuals may still have time for their recovery and treatment), it can also pose challenges, as there are off-peak seasons, fluctuating wages, and inconsistent employment hours, all of which may complicate personal and financial planning and the early stages of recovery.

To take advantage of Ocean City, people may need to obtain year-round employment in addition to local seasonal working opportunities, or develop an off-peak employment backup plan (remote working jobs, neighboring municipalities, etc.) to provide consistency and access to regular hours and income.

That said, for those who can navigate the ebb and flow, Ocean City’s environment can offer a supportive base, especially if they build structure around seasons, wellness, and community.

Local Features of Ocean City That Support a Recovery Lifestyle

While Ocean City is primarily known as a resort and beach community, not as a medical or rehab hub, it does offer natural and community-based assets that can support a recovery lifestyle, especially when combined with personal planning and local support. Among them:

• Beaches & Boardwalk: With miles of beachfront, water access, and opportunities to walk, swim, run, or simply spend time outside enjoying the saltwater air, residents who choose to live near the beach can take advantage of all that nature offers as it relates to developing healthy behaviors while relieving stress, creating clarity in their lives, and eliminating unhealthy habits.
• Community and Resort Town Feel: In the “off-season” (i.e., winter months), the community of Ocean City quiets down and potentially provides a less chaotic lifestyle for individuals focused on their recovery.
• Mix of Housing Types & Market: After the beach season ends (around Labor Day), Ocean City retains a year-round population, enabling many individuals a more stable “home base” rather than being just a seasonal rental property.

Because of its unique characteristics, Ocean City might appeal to people who value nature, water, a sense of calm, and a breezy environment, which can support emotional healing, routine-building, and sobriety maintenance.

Health, Fitness, and Wellness Resources

Ocean City offers numerous fitness facilities, yoga studios, grocery stores, and other wellness resources to support long-term recovery. These facilities help create stable and consistent daily schedules and offer opportunities for establishing a supportive environment during recovery.

Gyms and Fitness Centers

• Atilis Gym- 1214 West Ave, Ocean City:  An established gym with many strength training options (free weights, machines). Atilis offers a wide variety of workout routines.
• Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center- 1735 Simpson Ave, Ocean City: Features a swimming pool (25 meters), cardio equipment, free weights and machines, and extensive group fitness classes including Yoga, Pilates, and Indoor Cycling. These low-impact options support consistent physical activity.

Yoga and Mind-Body Studios

True Light Yoga- 810 Asbury Avenue Suite 205, Ocean City: A yoga and meditation studio offering yoga, meditation, and breath-work classes to develop emotional health and mindfulness.

Soul Dreams Studio- 801 Asbury Avenue Suites 311 & 312, Ocean City: Provides Raja Yoga, reiki, meditation sessions, and holistic workshops; valuable for individuals wishing to create restorative daily practices.

Nutrition, Grocery, and Healthy Food Outlets

• ACME Markets- 800 West Avenue, Ocean City: A supermarket offering fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and everyday products for balanced meal preparation.
• Blitz’s Markets- 2100 Asbury Ave, Ocean City: A locally owned market/deli offering prepared foods and grocery staples.

Local grocery stores, fitness facilities, and health resources help residents develop long-term recovery habits such as working out regularly, eating nutritiously, and practicing mindful living. By utilizing both the oceanfront environment and local/regional wellness resources, individuals are able to continue recovery momentum throughout the year.

Local Stats You Need to Know

In 2022, there were 33 suspected drug-related overdose deaths and 163 naloxone doses administered by emergency services in Cape May County.[5] The significant gap between naloxone administrations and fatal overdoses may suggest that emergency response services played a crucial role in preventing deaths. It’s possible that many of these interventions saved lives. This underlines how crucial it is for emergency services to be readily available.

A report by a New Jersey nonprofit organization recently found that 2,892 people died from overdoses in the state in 2022.[6] This equates to eight individuals per day on average. These numbers reveal how the crisis impacts both local communities and the broader population, highlighting the need for coordinated responses at multiple levels of government and healthcare. The regularity of these deaths emphasizes that overdose prevention and drug counseling require urgent attention and resources.

Sober Activities in Ocean City

• Rent a bicycle and cruise the 2.5-mile boardwalk. The Ocean City Boardwalk opens early for cyclists and runners.
• The Corson’s Inlet area at the southern end of Ocean City offers peaceful trails and excellent opportunities to spot shore birds and other coastal wildlife. The quiet setting makes it perfect for photography and hiking.
• Start your day with peaceful sunrise views along the shoreline. The morning quiet offers a perfect time for reflection and mindfulness.
• Check the Music Pier schedule for concerts, shows, and family movie nights on the beach.
• Visit the Ocean City Historical Museum to learn about the town’s fascinating past, from its founding as a Methodist camp meeting site to its development as a family-friendly resort. The museum features vintage photographs, beach memorabilia, and interesting exhibits about local architecture.

Directions From Ocean City to SOBA New Jersey

• Head toward E 8th St on Asbury Ave. Go for 282 ft.
• Turn left onto E 8th St. Go for 0.2 mi.
• Turn left onto Bay Ave. Go for 0.1 mi.
• Turn right onto W 9th St (RT-52). Go for 0.1 mi.
• Continue on Stainton Memorial Cswy (RT-52 N). Go for 2.1 mi.
• Continue on MacArthur Blvd (RT-52). Go for 0.6 mi.
• Keep left onto MacArthur Blvd (RT-52 W). Go for 0.8 mi.
• Take ramp onto Garden State Pkwy toward Garden State Parkway North. Go for 18.5 mi.
• Continue on US-9 N (Garden State Pkwy). Go for 2.2 mi.
• Continue on Garden State Pkwy toward Garden State Parkway North/Toms River. Go for 30.3 mi.
• Continue on US-9 N (Garden State Pkwy). Go for 2.8 mi.
• Continue on Garden State Pkwy. Go for 22.2 mi.
• Take exit 105 toward New Brunswick onto RT-18 N. Go for 24.3 mi.
• Keep left onto State Route 18 (RT-18). Go for 2.5 mi.
• Keep left onto RT-18 N toward US-1 S. Go for 0.8 mi.
• Keep right onto Memorial Pkwy (RT-18 N) toward New Brunswick Exits/RT-172/Cook/Douglass/Paul Robeson Blvd/New Street. Go for 0.1 mi.
• Keep right onto Memorial Pkwy (RT-18 N). Go for 0.8 mi.
• Take ramp onto Albany St (RT-27 S) toward Albany St/Princeton. Go for 0.4 mi.
• Keep right onto Johnson Dr. Go for 0.4 mi.
• Continue on Hamilton St. Go for 0.3 mi.
• Turn right onto Guilden St. Go for 397 ft.
• Turn slightly left onto Central Ave. Go for 0.1 mi.
• Continue on Central Ave. Go for 0.1 mi.
• Turn slightly right onto Duke St. Go for 358 ft.
• Arrive at 23 Duke St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1738

Frequently Asked Questions