Alcohol abuse led 20,651 New Jersey residents to enter into treatment in 2019, which is 31% of all admissions for substance abuse treatment in the state3. According to the United Health Foundation, there is an interesting trend with New Jersey residents and binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women on one occasion. In 2018, 15.2% of adults in New Jersey reported an episode of binge drinking in the past month. This is well below the national average of 18.2%. Also, only 11.7% of women in New Jersey engaged in binge drinking, which is below the national average of 14.1% for females. Finally, 19.1% of male New Jersey residents reported a recent episode of binge drinking, which is below the national average of 22.7%.
Millions of Americans take legal prescription opioids to manage chronic pain and other health conditions; however, an alarming number of individuals are dependent on such drugs that are intended to help people. The opiates oxycodone and hydrocodone are among the most commonly abused prescription drugs, but anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines are also habit-forming and dangerous if abused. These drugs are often obtained legally and then sold at a premium on the black market.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse’s data indicates that almost 90% of drug overdose in 2018 involved opioids, including prescription opioids. This is a total of 2,583 fatalities in one year alone. However, there is hope for the people of New Jersey. In 2018, New Jersey providers wrote 38.9 opioid prescriptions for every 100 persons, compared to the average U.S. rate of 51.4 prescriptions. This is the lowest rate in the state since data became available in 2006.
Aside from opioids, hard drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine remain readily available in New Jersey. The production of meth poses particular risks to communities because the drug is usually cooked in makeshift labs that produce highly flammable and toxic fumes. According to the Governor’s Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, NJ is home to some of the cheapest and purest heroin in the country. Bags of heroin or meth sell for as little as $5 and are, unfortunately, widely available throughout the Garden State. Some illegal substance abuse statistics in New Jersey to consider include:
Decades of research suggest that addictions have less to do with specific substances and more to do with genetic and environmental factors that predispose people to addiction. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many patients seek help for addiction to multiple substances. Unfortunately, the risks of serious medical consequences increase when drugs are combined. For example, consuming alcohol can intensify the effect of many prescription medications. People with a history of mental illness are especially vulnerable to addiction, and the reverse is true as well. Consequently, mental health support is considered a crucial part of any substance abuse treatment program.
Whether you are a New Jersey resident or live in another state, our Lakeview Health team has the expertise and experience to help you start your road to recovery. We understand the unique needs of each of our patients. To accommodate these needs, our team provides a wide array of addiction treatment programs, including:
Once you’ve made the courageous decision to enter into treatment at Lakeview Health, our team will perform a complete assessment of your mental and physical health. We then use this information to design a treatment plan specifically for you. Our team has found that this personalized approach enhances the effectiveness of treatment. Learn more by reaching out to our team today by calling 904.531.3505.
Ease of access to substance abuse treatment varies by region; however, Lakeview Health’s mission is to provide treatment for everyone who needs it regardless of where they live. Our facilities support Americans from all over the country who are struggling with alcohol and drug addictions.
Our medical and clinical staff are aware of the unique challenges facing specific populations, and we are committed to helping patients overcome any logistical hurdles to obtaining care. If you or someone you know is seeking professional help to quit drugs or alcohol, call 904.531.3505 to speak with a member of our admissions team and learn more about our treatment programs.
If you or someone you know is seeking professional help to quit drugs or alcohol, call 904.531.3505 to speak with a member of our admissions team and learn more about our treatment programs.a
Taking the first step towards recovery can be daunting, but knowing your options for care is paramount to your success. Fill out the form below and one of our team members will reach out to help you get started.