New Jersey addiction and rehab treatment
New Jersey has a population of 9,267,130 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 1,234,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 13.32% of the population. 1,131,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 1,536,000 in the past year. The report also found that 171,000 New Jersey residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 128,000 had abused meth, and 345,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 138,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in New Jersey totaled 340,000 people.
Medical advisor LCSW, LCADC, CCS
Alcohol abuse in New Jersey
Alcohol misuse was also reported in New Jersey with 4,409,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 2,093,000 reporting binge drinking. The perceived risk of people over 12 years of age indulging in problematic alcohol use (5 or more drinks twice a week) in a month was 3,810,000 people.
Substance use disorders in New Jersey
New Jersey’s substance use disorder rate is lower than the national and Northeast averages. However, some drugs are becoming increasingly prevalent.[1]
Substance misuse
The rate of illicit drug use among the 12-17 age group stands at 6.76%, below the national average of 7.09% and slightly lower than the Northeast region’s rate of 7.94%. For those over 18, New Jersey’s drug use rate is 13.69%, below both the national average of 15.03% and the Northeast’s rate of 16.70%.[1]
Marijuana misuse
Marijuana use among the 12-17 age range stands at 8.13%, again below the national average of 10.47% and the Northeast average of 10.70%. For adults over 18, the usage rate in New Jersey is 17.16%, while the national rate is 19.59% and the Northeast’s is 21.11%.[1]
28.12% of the 12-17 age group in New Jersey perceive great risk in smoking marijuana once a month, higher than the Northeast average of 22.58% and closer to the national perception of 23.26%. In the 18+ category, 24.78% in New Jersey perceive great risk of marijuana use, compared to 19.82% in the Northeast and 21.42% nationally.[1]
Cocaine misuse
Cocaine use for the 12-17 age group is not listed in New Jersey. For the 18+ population, the rate stands at 1.69%, lower than the national average of 1.86% and the Northeast’s rate of 2.22%.[1]
Regarding the perception of great risk from using cocaine once a month, 49.69% of the 12-17-year-olds in New Jersey perceive great danger, slightly lower than the national perception of 50.73% and higher than the Northeast’s 48.91%. For the 18+ group, 68.33% in New Jersey perceive great risk, slightly higher than the national rate of 67.78% and the Northeast’s rate of 65.18%.[1]
Heroin misuse
The heroin misuse data shows a use rate of 0.16% for the 12-17 age interval, below the Northeast region’s rate of 0.22% and the national average of 0.20%. Individuals aged 18 and over have a heroin misuse rate of 0.80%, considerably higher than the national average and Northeast’s 0.57% rate.
60.96% of the 12-17-year-olds in New Jersey perceive great risk from trying heroin, compared to the national perception of 58.72% and the Northeast’s 58.71%. In the 18+ category, 86.24% perceive great risk, whereas the national rate is 84.47%, and the Northeast’s rate is 84.26%.[1]
Methamphetamine misuse
Methamphetamine misuse in New Jersey stands at 0.10% in the 12-17 age range, which is consistent with the Northeast region’s rate of 0.10% and below the national average of 0.14%. Adults over 18 have a 0.88% use rate, higher than the national average of 0.99% and the Northeast’s rate of 0.69%.[1]
Prescription meds and opioid misuse
The misuse of prescription pain relievers among people 12-17 is at 2.06%, whereas the national average is 1.91% and the Northeast’s is 2.12%. The 18+ age group sees a 3.31% consumption rate closer to the national average of 3.24% and the Northeast average of 3.33%.[1]
Teenagers in the 12-17 category have an opioid misuse rate of 2.08%, higher than the national average of 1.91% but below the Northeast average of 2.12%. Adults over 18 stand at 3.30% for opioid misuse, below the national average of 3.44% and the Northeast average of 3.48%.[1]
Overdose deaths in New Jersey
In 2021, New Jersey saw a total of 2956 recorded drug-related overdose deaths. This includes those that were accidental or unidentifiable but excludes those that were related to suicide or homicide. This puts the overdose death toll in New Jersey at 31.9 people per 100,000. The total number of alcohol-related deaths (including overdose and all other causes) was 831 or 8.9 per 100,000 people.
Substance use disorders and addiction treatment in New Jersey
The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in New Jersey and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 1,435,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 1,029,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 150,000 people were recorded as having an opioid use disorder including those with painkiller, heroin, and other opioid-based drug use disorders. There are also many who have been diagnosed with or reported a substance, illicit drug, or alcohol use disorder that require rehab treatment and are not receiving it. The report found that 605 people in New Jersey needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 959,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 1,335,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.
What treatment options are available in New Jersey?
Structured programs like rehabs and treatment centers in this state offer outpatient, inpatient, and residential treatment to people or families dealing with addiction. Some facilities specialize in taking care of certain groups in society like seniors and teens.
Those attending rehab facilities also get tools to help them lead productive and happy lives after they leave the center.
Here are some rehabs you can find in New Jersey:
How do I pay for rehab in New Jersey?
Rehab prices will vary depending on the facility and the kind of treatment you need. Many institutions in New Jersey accept private and military insurance as a form of payment. You can call or visit your insurance provider's website to find out whether or not they cover addiction treatment.
The New Jersey government also offers the New Jersey Medicaid Program, which provides health coverage to eligible and needy members of the NJ community.
There are plenty of rehab centers that accept Medicaid and Medicare in New Jersey. If these aren’t in your budget, you can find facilities that offer free or no-cost health care services in NJ.
Local government assistance in New Jersey
The New Jersey Government has a Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) that oversees community-based behavioral health services to the people of New Jersey.
The DMHAS has also availed an online Addiction Services Treatment directory, publications, real-time data, and information on Opioid treatment, among other helpful resources for people dealing with addiction.
This division monitors substance abuse and Treatment services offered by different agencies in the state of New Jersey aimed at helping individuals suffering from alcohol or drug addiction.
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You can also contact ReachNJ (helpline) to get addiction assistance. This is a call-in line for New Jersey residents seeking substance abuse help. Its answered by trained staff to help NJ residents regardless of their age, insurance cover, or ability to pay.
All the information you share will be confidential, and you can reach them anytime, day or night.
How should I choose a rehab center in New Jersey?
The first step in selecting a rehab center in New Jersey is checking its accreditation and licensing to ensure quality care. Read reviews about their therapists and medical professionals to ensure they are qualified to treat your needs.
Next, check different treatment types, such as medication-assisted treatment, inpatient, or outpatient care. Ensure the rehab center offers the right solutions for your specific substance use disorder.
It’s also wise to check customized treatment plans, such as holistic, faith-based approaches,and centers that encourage family participation. The recovery environment and location may influence your choice, too.
As you shortlist your options, check the compatibility of costs and insurance coverage with your financial situation.
How much does rehab treatment cost in New Jersey
In New Jersey, individual rehab treatment costs on average $56,570 for residential care and $1,701 for outpatient services. New Jersey’s residential treatment costs are higher than the national average of $43,446 before inflation adjustments.[2]
However, the average cost for outpatient rehab in New Jersey is much lower than the national average of $7,219. The entire detoxification process in the US costs $141,001 per individual after inflation adjustments.[2]
These rates reflect rehab costs without insurance cover. Most health insurance providers will cover the cost of addiction treatment as part of their plans and it is rare for those attending rehab to pay fees out-of-pocket.[2]
What treatment options are available in New Jersey
New Jersey provides a comprehensive array of treatment options for substance use disorders, including detoxification programs for initial withdrawal management, residential or inpatient care for intensive treatment, and outpatient programs for milder drug use disorders.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is also available for several addictions, including opioid and alcohol dependencies. Additional options include partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), which offer a structured treatment environment during the day, and sober living homes, which provide a supportive living situation.
What are the levels of treatment care offered in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s treatment care levels meet all the varying intensities of addiction and recovery levels.
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The high-intensity inpatient programs require a stay at a residential facility, but less intensive treatment levels allow patients to maintain daily commitments. Intermediate levels of care include PHPs, offering structured therapy during the day, and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), which require frequent sessions per week.
As a result, individuals in New Jersey can access the appropriate care corresponding to the severity of their addiction and their stage in the recovery process.
Are there any specialized treatment options I should consider?
In New Jersey, specialized treatment options target specific populations and needs. These options include family programs, adolescent and young adult services, and recovery support systems, such as supportive housing. Some facilities also focus on dual-diagnosis treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.
For those seeking alternative therapeutic approaches, holistic treatments such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy are available. Luxury rehab centers offer a more private and comfortable environment, while faith-based programs cater to those interested in spiritual guidance as part of their recovery.
