New Jersey
A New Jersey dad reflects on his sobriety journey and getting through the holidays
The holiday season brings a lot of celebration and joy, but it can also be triggering for people in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Experts say there are steps you can take to ease the pressure, not just for those in recovery but for family and friends who want to be supportive.
Jared Dotts, a South Jersey native, said he spent a decade in and out of rehab for his drug and alcohol addictions. He said the birth of his son three years ago was his ultimate wake-up call, and now he’s two-and-a-half years sober.
“I just believed in myself for once and gave it a shot, and here I am,” Dotts said.
Dotts says his recovery is a never-ending journey and the holiday season can feel like an uphill battle. Everything from social gatherings to stress can be overwhelming.
“Coming into recovery early on and trying to mend those relationships that we’ve caused so much damage to and you know be around family and just try to show up now, it becomes a little difficult because not only are we trying to maintain our own recovery and our own sobriety, but we’re just trying to learn how to live a normal life too,” Dotts said.
Colleen Snow, the Alcohol and Drug Director with the Camden County Health Department, encourages her staff to do extra check-ins and follow-ups this time of year. Snow says mentally preparing for the holidays and setting realistic expectations can help people, no matter what stage of recovery.
“Be open and really do some mindfulness and self-reflection to see where you’re at and what you can really handle and not handle,” Snow said.
Loved ones can also help by being understanding if someone can’t attend an event or leaves early from a gathering, she said.
“It’s about them and their safety and how they’re handling their life situation right now,” Snow said.
For Dotts, it’s all about connecting with others in the recovery community and being self-aware in social situations.
The National Institutes of Health estimates that roughly 29 million Americans had what they call “alcohol use disorder” in 2023. Some addiction counselors say reaching out to your county health department is a great option to find local, affordable treatment.
NEW JERSEY – Legislation that would ban single-use utensils from takeout orders advanced this week in the New Jersey Senate.
The bill aims to reduce unnecessary waste and environmental impact. If customers need utensils, they would have to request them specifically, as they would no longer be included in their orders automatically under this bill.
The bill would prohibit food service businesses from automatically providing condiment packets to customers, as well. Instead, they would be required to offer them reusable utensils.
According to the bill, businesses that fail to comply with the law would ultimately be fined. A third of the fines collected from businesses who violate the law would be deposited into the Clean Communities Program Fund, “a statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986.”
460 million tons of plastic
What they’re saying:
Supporters of the initiative argue that reducing plastic waste is crucial for both environmental and human health. Plastic utensils often end up in landfills and oceans, contributing to pollution, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The WWF says that every year, humans produce over 460 million tons of plastic, 90% of which pollutes “almost all areas of our planet.”
Some critics believe there are more pressing plastic issues to address, like packaging for sodas and chips. They also question the practicality of expecting people to carry utensils.
Dig deeper:
The proposed law would not apply to schools, prisons and health care facilities, meaning they would remain exempt if the legislation passes.
A companion bill has been introduced in the state Assembly. Both chambers must pass the bill before the governor can sign it into law, however.
What we don’t know:
The potential cost impact on businesses and how consumers would adapt to the change are still unclear.
The Source: Information from a FOX 5 NY report, the World Wildlife Fund, the bill’s text and NJ Clean Communities.
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Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Powerball winning numbers are in for the Wednesday, Dec. 10 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $930 million ($429 million cash option).
The winning numbers in Wednesday’s drawing are 10, 16, 29, 33, and 69, with Powerball number 22. The Power Play number is 3.
Did anyone win the Powerball jackpot?
No one won the Powerball jackpot.
When is the next drawing of the Powerball?
The next Powerball drawing is Saturday. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
How late can you buy a Powerball ticket?
In New Jersey, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the draw.
What does it cost to play Powerball?
Powerball costs $2 to play. For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature can multiply nonjackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times.
Are you a Powerball winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All New Jersey Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.99. For prizes over $599.99, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at New Jersey Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to New Jersey Lottery, Attn: Validations, PO Box 041, Trenton, NJ 08625-0041.
Winners can drop off their claim form and winning ticket in person at the New Jersey Lottery office where a secure drop box is available. Claim forms are also available at the office. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Lawrence Park Complex, 1333 Brunswick Avenue Circle, Trenton, NJ 08648.
To find a lottery retalier, you can search the NJ lotto website.
What is the Powerball payout?
The complete guide to winnings is:
- Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
- Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
- Match 4 White Balls: $100
- Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
- Match 3 White Balls: $7
- Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
- Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
- Match Powerball: $4
- Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
- Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
- Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
- Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
- Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
- Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
- Match Powerball with Power Play: $16
What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?
The overall odds of winning the Powerball are 1 in 292.2 million.
How do I find the Powerball winning numbers?
Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Drawings are also lived streamed on Powerball.com. The winning numbers are posted to the Powerball and New Jersey Lottery websites.
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