New Jersey's addiction treatment landscape has been evolving with a heartening influx of compassion and a promise of renewed faith. At the center of this transformation is the New Chapter Faith Based Recovery Center. Led by Ann Gharib, CEO and Clinical Director, and Joseph Basta, CFO and co-founder, the center offers a beacon of hope through its unique blend of clinical expertise and spiritual nourishment.
We had the privilege of sitting down with these two influential figures to understand the motivations behind their work and the spiritual fabric that sets their treatment center apart. Here is a glimpse into their mission of healing and how faith weaves into the fight against addiction.
The Inspiration to Serve With Faith based Treatment In New Jersey
The Drug Rehab Agency: "Joseph, Ann, you've established the sole faith-based recovery center in New Jersey. What inspired you to open this facility?"
Joseph Basta: "The inspiration came from a realization that while there were many addiction treatment centers, the core spiritual element for a fulfilling life in recovery was missing. We saw a gap in care that acknowledged the full spectrum of healing – body, mind, and soul. We wanted to provide a sanctuary where faith stood tall alongside scientific methods and where God was welcome to show up for everyone who walks in our doors."
The Joy of Making a Difference
The Drug Rehab Agency: "Every day at New Chapter must be filled with challenges and victories. What is your favorite part about the work you do?"
Ann Gharib: "The joy comes from seeing the transformation. When someone steps through our doors, burdened with the weight of addiction, and you witness their entire demeanor change over weeks and months – there's nothing quite like it. It's the miracle of recovery, every single day."
A Piece of Advice for Those Seeking Addiction Treatment NJ
The Drug Rehab Agency: "For those seeking Christian addiction treatment in NJ, what's the biggest piece of advice you would extend?"
Joseph Basta: "I would say, seek healing not just for your addiction but for your spirit as well. And don't walk this path alone; we treat everyone who walks in our doors like family because we truly believe they are."
The Reward of Outpatient Treatment Services Work
The Drug Rehab Agency: "Outpatient addiction treatment is the bulk of the services you offer. What's most rewarding about this line of work?"
Ann Gharib: "Outpatient care fosters a sense of community and ongoing support. Watching clients maintain their daily lives while actively engaging in recovery is empowering. They're not only reclaiming their lives but also strengthening their connections with family and the community."
A Unique Christian Addiction Recovery Journey
The Drug Rehab Agency: "What, in your opinion, makes New Chapter Faith-Based Recovery unique?"
Joseph Basta: "It's our unwavering belief in the restorative power of God and faith. Our programs intertwine the latest evidence-based medical treatments with faith-based recovery, offering truly holistic care. Our clients are not required to enroll in the Christian alcohol rehab or Christian addiction rehab, it is an elective program, but we happen to be the only treatment center in New Jersey offering spiritual growth programs."
Goals on the Horizon
The Drug Rehab Agency: "What is a current goal your treatment center is working towards?"
Ann Gharib: "We are expanding our family therapy programs and our outreach efforts for the faith family in New Jersey. Addiction affects more than just the individual, and we want to heal and fortify the entire family unit. For us to do this, we are building relationships with the local recovery community and doing interviews such as this to let people really know we are here."
Faith-Based Recovery vs. Traditional Outpatient Services
The Drug Rehab Agency: "How does faith-based recovery differ from traditional outpatient services?"
Joseph Basta: "Faith-based recovery infuses traditional treatment with spiritual principles. It provides an additional layer of support for those who draw strength from their relationship with Jesus. It's funny because people think if you do faith-based addiction treatment, we are going to woo-woo our clients and tell them faith will heal all things. God gave our team unique expertise in the clinical, evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, etc... and also blessed them with enormous hearts and strong faith. I am truly blessed with my team!"
Implementing Industry Change With Faith
The Drug Rehab Agency: "Change can be a powerful tool. What changes are you looking to bring to the addiction treatment community?"
Ann Gharib: "We aim to promote a model that sees addiction treatment as not just a clinical process we learned in our textbooks and lectures, but as a relational process with another human who we see as our brother or our sister. If I have Jesus's eyes when I look at everyone we treat here at New Chapter, they will feel it, they will know it, and God will use me as a vessel for their healing. This would change the world if everyone asked to have His eyes when seeing people - I am doing my part to bring it into New Jersey faith-based addiction treatment."
The Vital Role of Outpatient Services For Addiction & Alcohol Treatment
The Drug Rehab Agency: "Why are outpatient treatment services so critical for the continuum of care?"
Ann Gharib: "Outpatient services bridge the gap between intensive care and real-world application of recovery techniques. They provide necessary support during the crucial transition phase from drug and alcohol use, to possibly an inpatient facility away from any temptation, back to the world where there is a liquor store and drug dealer on every corner.
Outpatient treatment services allow for those in transition to be supported and have a regular schedule and support group to discuss any triggers or difficulties they are having."
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Expertise
The Drug Rehab Agency: "Dual-diagnosis is a specialization at New Chapter Recovery Center NJ. Can you explain its significance?"
Ann Gharib: "Many individuals with addictions also suffer from mental health disorders. In fact, 37 percent of alcohol abusers and 53 percent of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.
If we treat someone for their addictions with, let's say, a faith-based 12 step program, and all the sudden they are off the drugs their body and mind have used as a medication for over a decade, mental illnesses underlying the addiction like depression, anxiety, bipolar, or schizophrenia will come out in full-force. Dual-diagnosis treatment addresses both, paving the way for a more comprehensive and successful recovery."
Thoughts From The Drug Rehab Agency
After this interview with Joseph and Ann, it's clear that New Chapter Faith Based Recovery isn't just a treatment center—it is a community of hope anchored by an unwavering faith in God and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. Their dedication to giving back genuinely embodies the spirit of service.
In an era where addiction treatment often leans heavily on evidence-based methods, New Chapter introduces a spiritual dimension that complements and enhances the healing process. This is a testament to the idea that recovery, in its most profound form, touches every aspect of the self.
Opinion of the Interviewer: New Chapter's integrated approach is the program of the month, not just for its efficacy but for its harmonious blend of science and spirituality. Faith-based recovery, along with all pathways to recovery, provides the faith family needed for Christians and Christian-curious clients to find Love, Peace and Healing. It elevates the discussion around addiction and acknowledges the multifaceted nature of the human experience.
For Joseph, Ann, and the team at New Chapter, their mission is a sacred calling, and they are undoubtedly scripting new beginnings—one life, one story, one chapter at a time.
Ann Gharib
Ann Gharib is a New Jersey native with a passion to serve the addiction recovery community and their loved ones. Ann received her undergraduate degree from NJCU for psychology. She continued her education at NJCU where she received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She then received her Clinical License in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.
Ann is a Nationally Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor specializing in dual-diagnosis addiction and mental health treatment, and family therapy. She has a strong relationship with God that has always been part of her practice, even if she isn't talking about Him with a client.
Ann started her career as the Primary Therapist at the well-known High Focus Treatment Centers in New Jersey. She continued growing her field experience at Recovery Centers of America and EH Counseling before taking the leap into opening her own practice as CEO and Clinical Director of New Chapter Faith Based Recovery Center in New Jersey. She felt called to fill the need of faith-based recovery in New Jersey and is now the only practice offering a Christian addiction program in New Jersey.
In her free time, Ann loves to paint and do anything involving exercise. Ann lives in New Jersey with her husband, two amazing boys, and two rambunctious mini poodles, Fluffy and Teddy. Her goal with everyone who walks in the doors of New Chapter is to make them feel like family, because she believes each of them are.
Joseph Basta
Joseph Basta is a New Jersey native with a heart of service and a knack for entrepreneurship and leadership. Joe received his degree in Business Administration and Management from New Jersey City University and has used his education and skills to open and operate the well-known gourmet Italian restaurant Verde, where he generously donates percentages of revenue to local nonprofits and businesses.
Joe is a faithful man and recently returned from Egypt where he worked with the local community teaching business administration and management skills to help grow sustainable community operations.
Joseph met Ann prior to the opening of New Chapter Faith Based Recovery NJ and said, "I saw the real need for faith based recovery in New Jersey, I saw the vision Ann had, and I wanted to help bring this to the community." With his business management and financial background, Joe was the link that made the mission at New Chapter come to life.
In his free time, Joe loves hiking, biking, and lifting weights in the gym. He lives in New Jersey with his wonderful wife, two just-like-dad boys, and the family Cockapoo "Hershey." Joe's goal is to continue building the mission at New Chapter Recovery Center as a sustainable home for anyone seeking treatment to find a family.
Contact New Chapter Faith Based Recovery:
Address: 1915 US-46, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ 07054
Telephone: (551) 353-2484
Email: info@newchapterfaithrecovery.com
Website: NewChapterFaithRecovery.com
