Local Addiction Treatment Guide for Short Hills, NJ

A Local Guide to Addiction Recovery Resources in Short Hills, NJ

Life in Short Hills: A Community Grounded in Stability, Routine & Connection

Short Hills is known for its quiet residential neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and strong sense of community stability—qualities that can feel grounding for individuals working toward recovery. As part of Millburn Township, the area blends suburban comfort with easy access to parks, nature trails, and walkable town centers.

Daily life here is defined by predictability: familiar faces at local cafés, children walking to school, and regular community events that reinforce a sense of belonging. These patterns can create gentle structure, helping individuals develop healthy habits at a manageable pace. Short Hills also benefits from its proximity to nearby downtowns like Millburn, Maplewood, and Summit, which offer additional wellness, fitness, and cultural resources.

For those rebuilding their lives, the calm environment, access to nature, and strong community involvement make Short Hills a supportive backdrop for recovery—encouraging small, steady changes that build long-term stability.

Why Short Hills Supports Recovery: Stability, Routine & Community Connection

Recovery is strengthened in environments that offer calm, predictability, and supportive community ties—qualities Short Hills naturally embodies. Its residential neighborhoods, scenic parks, and structured daily rhythms create a sense of safety and grounding. At the same time, access to nearby employment centers, wellness resources, and community institutions ensures residents have the tools they need to rebuild stability.

Short Hills also benefits from being part of Millburn Township, where civic engagement and community involvement run deep. Whether through local schools, libraries, faith communities, or wellness spaces, opportunities for meaningful connection are easy to find. These connections help reduce isolation and foster a sense of progress and purpose.

For individuals working toward recovery, Short Hills provides a steady backdrop where healthy routines can take root. It offers the peace of a suburban environment, paired with the accessibility of neighboring towns—making it a place where long-term well-being feels both achievable and supported.

Local Economy & Work Opportunities: Professional & Community-Focused Employment

Short Hills itself is primarily residential, but the broader region, including Millburn, Summit, Livingston, and nearby corporate corridors, offers strong employment opportunities across healthcare, education, professional services, and small business. These industries often provide stable schedules and supportive work environments, which can help individuals in recovery reestablish confidence and structure.

Major Employers in and Around Short Hills

• The Mall at Short Hills: A major local employer offering retail, customer service, management, and operations roles.
• Overlook Medical Center: Offers entry-level and support roles in patient services, facilities, administration, and clinical departments.
• Millburn Township Public Schools: Provides opportunities in classroom support, transportation, administration, and facilities.
• Atlantic Health System: Offers a wide range of positions in healthcare support, administrative operations, and community health programs.
• Paper Mill Playhouse: A long-standing cultural institution offering roles in guest services, production, and operations.

Consistent employment can become an important anchor in recovery—helping individuals develop routine, accountability, and a renewed sense of purpose. Short Hills’ proximity to major employment hubs makes it easier to find roles aligned with personal strengths and energy levels.

Fitness & Nutrition: Local Wellness Resources That Support Healthy Daily Habits

Physical wellness and nutrition play important roles in emotional balance and long-term recovery. While Short Hills is primarily residential, its surrounding towns offer excellent gyms, studios, and markets that help residents build grounding daily routines. These spaces promote consistency, stress reduction, and connection—key components of a recovery-supportive lifestyle.

Fitness Options

• Equinox – 68 River Rd, Summit, NJ: A high-quality fitness center offering group classes, strength training, yoga, and personal training. Its structured programs and calm, spa-like environment can make movement feel both empowering and manageable.
• Summit YMCA – 67 Maple St, Summit, NJ: A community-focused facility offering aquatics, group exercise classes, weight rooms, and wellness programs. Its welcoming atmosphere supports individuals returning to fitness at their own pace.
• Pure Barre – 351 Millburn Ave, Millburn, NJ: A barre studio offering low-impact, high-intensity classes inspired by Pilates, yoga, and ballet. The focus on precise, controlled movement makes it a strong option for rebuilding strength, improving posture, and managing stress in a supportive, small-group environment.

Nutrition & Healthy Food Resources

• Trader Joe’s – 187 Millburn Ave, Millburn, NJ: A reliable grocer offering affordable health-conscious options, produce, and meal-prep staples.
• Whole Foods Market – 2245 Springfield Ave, Union, NJ: Offers organic produce, clean pantry items, and prepared foods ideal for balanced meal planning.
• Kings Food Markets – 778 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ: A premium supermarket known for quality produce, fresh meals, and gourmet ingredients.

These resources help residents create structured wellness routines that reinforce stability and support recovery.

Local Stats You Need to Know

The data reveals that the state and Essex County are in the throes of drug and alcohol addiction, leading to preventable deaths across the state. Though the suspected overdose deaths declined to 182 in 2024 – a 21% decrease from 230 the previous year – there’s still work to be done.[1] Statewide, overdose deaths declined 26% within that same time period.[2]

Essex County had the highest number of suspected overdose deaths in the state in 2024, as well as a high number of naloxone administrations at 2,837.[3] Harm reduction initiatives, such as naloxone training for the public and first responders, have been helpful, as have outreach programs that provide naloxone kits and training to residents.

Statewide, healthcare providers dispensed over 1,000,000 opioid prescriptions in the first half of 2025.[4] Essex County alone had 212,902 opioid prescriptions given in 2024, making it one of the top counties in the state for prescription opioid use.[5] But the substances involved in addiction span more than opioids, including marijuana, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

Alcohol is also a substance that has officials concerned. 14.8% of adults reported binge or heavy drinking in the state, making it one of the highest for alcohol abuse between 2018 and 2021.[6] The county has a particularly high rate of binge drinking at 15.8% of adults, higher than the statewide average. It indicates a need for accessible Essex County and Short Hills alcohol rehab centers.[7]

Sober Activities in Short Hills

• Shop at designer boutiques at the Mall at Short Hills.
• Relax in nature at Greenwood Gardens.
• Explore trails and birdwatching at Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary.
• Have a picnic in Old Short Hills Park.
• Hike along the reservoir at South Mountain Reservation.
• Check out local art and attend a workshop at the New Jersey Art Association.
• Learn about local history at the Millburn Short Hills Historical Society Museum.
• Explore the life and work of the famous inventor at Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

Frequently Asked Questions