The Council has been charged by Governor Christie to create a "Blueprint for a Drug-Free New Jersey - 2020" which will address how the state's future substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services should be delivered with an eye toward identifying efficiencies in the current system and implementing evidence-based practices that improve outcomes.  The Blueprint is to also include a plan to address New Jersey's heroin and other opiate use epidemic amongst its youth. 

To better meet the governor's charge and its statutory duties the Council established an Advisory Panel of national experts in December 2011.  The Panel met for the first time in February 2012. Members bring significant experience to the Panel including expertise in research, public policy, prevention, treatment, recovery, military service members and their families, enforcement, corrections and re-entry.  Three members have served as senior officials of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.  Three other members have been named by a daily news journal to its 2011 Top Ten list of individuals revolutionizing addiction and recovery who have had the greatest impact on addiction research and treatment.

In March 2012, the Council also established the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey's Youth and Young Adults.  The Task Force is to tackle the pressing issue of heroin and other opiate use by New Jersey's youth and young adults, which have increased dramatically over recent years.