Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that was originally developed for medical use to treat severe pain, such as that experienced by cancer patients or those undergoing surgery. Unfortunately, its extraordinary potency has made it a weapon in the opioid epidemic. Even a minuscule amount, two milligrams, is enough to cause a fatal overdose.

In New Jersey, fentanyl’s shadow looms large. The state has consistently seen a rise in overdose deaths driven by fentanyl, which is often mixed with heroin or disguised in pills sold on the street. Many individuals who consume fentanyl are unaware that they are taking it, leading to unintentional and tragic overdoses.

Nirvana Recovery Centers recognizes the urgency of the fentanyl crisis in New Jersey and offers specialized treatment programs to address this growing epidemic. Recovery is possible—but it begins with taking the first step.

Fentanyl Use: Statistics and Facts

National Fentanyl Statistics

Fentanyl has caused a troubling surge in drug-related deaths across the United States. Here are some alarming facts:

• In 2021, synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, were involved in over 107,000 drug overdose deaths nationwide, accounting for more than two-thirds of all overdose deaths.

• The CDC has reported that fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for individuals aged 18-45 in the United States.

Fentanyl’s Impact in New Jersey

New Jersey has not been spared from this alarming trend:

• In 2022, 2,900 opioid overdose deaths were recorded in the state, with fentanyl identified in nearly 80% of cases.

• The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has warned about the increasing prevalence of fentanyl in counterfeit pills, heightening risks for young people and first-time drug users.

These heartbreaking statistics serve as a call to action. If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, Nirvana Recovery Centers in Bound Brook, NJ, offers hope and a path toward recovery.