addiction
Addiction to drugs and alcohol continues to harm individuals, families, and communities all over New Jersey. Opioids, stimulants, and alcohol have all contributed to one of the most destructive addiction epidemics in the United States, and New Jersey is among the hardest hit states. Prescription drugs and street drugs can cause bodily damage, mental health problems, financial hardships, and emotional turmoil for everyone affected by substance use. The most commonly abused drugs in New Jersey need immediate attention in our healthcare and community services space.
At Nirvana Recovery, we know that no one should have to live with addiction. Our team is dedicated to helping New Jerseyans take back their lives and build a foundation for long-term recovery from the most commonly abused drugs in New Jersey. In this blog, we’ll look at the most commonly abused drugs in New Jersey, the impact that they have on communities, and how Nirvana Recovery can provide the personalized care that you need to heal.
Heroin Addiction in New Jersey
Heroin use is a major problem across New Jersey and the United States. Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive opioid that can be several times more potent than prescription opioids like Oxycodone or Hydrocodone. It is cheaper than most other drugs and is often abused by those seeking to get high without paying the high costs of prescription drugs.
Ocean and Camden counties have reported higher heroin addiction rates, with New Jersey ranking among the highest in terms of heroin-related overdose deaths in the country. Heroin is extremely dangerous and has contributed to hundreds of overdose deaths, which is why early addiction intervention and treatment are so crucial.
Prescription Opioids
Prescription opioids such as Oxycodone, Fentanyl, or Percocet are some of the most commonly abused drugs in New Jersey. Many of these drugs are legal when prescribed by a doctor, and this has led to a false sense of security and safety around the use of opioids that aren’t being abused by heroin users.
Both prescription opioid addiction and heroin use in New Jersey are among the highest in the country. Opioid use has increased, and New Jersey has reported higher-than-average opioid treatment admissions through the Department of Human Services, with Monmouth and Middlesex Counties among the most affected.
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused drugs in New Jersey, as it is among the most common substances of abuse across the United States. Alcohol is also one of the most accessible substances, and its use is socially and legally acceptable, which means that abuse is more common.
Alcohol addiction impacts users’ lives and relationships in serious ways, and recovery from alcohol abuse disorder can be a long process that requires support. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), around 30% of substance abuse treatment admissions in the United States are for alcohol use disorders.
Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
Cocaine is one of the most commonly abused drugs in New Jersey, with many of the state’s largest cities, such as Essex County, Hudson County, and Camden County, reporting higher use. Cocaine is one of the most commonly abused drugs, which is why cocaine detox is common among treatment programs that offer medically assisted detox.
Crack cocaine, a derivative of powdered cocaine, is a cheaper, faster-acting, and more potent version of cocaine. Crack cocaine has a higher likelihood of leading to dependence and addiction and often results in painful and severe withdrawal symptoms for those struggling with addiction.
Marijuana
The legalization of recreational marijuana in New Jersey has resulted in higher use among both adults and adolescents. However, while many view marijuana as a safe, harmless drug, the reality is that it can still be misused or overused, which is why there are still laws and rules around its use.
Misuse of marijuana, including long-term use and use with other substances, can lead to an increased risk of dependency and mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and paranoia. It can also increase the likelihood of substance use disorder and the use of other substances of abuse.
Fentanyl
In the last few years, the most commonly abused substances in New Jersey have also included fentanyl. A much more potent opioid than drugs like heroin or morphine, fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, which users may not be aware of. This results in accidental overdoses and deaths across the state, with 75% of all opioid-related deaths in 2021 involving fentanyl, according to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
Fentanyl use has been a growing problem in the United States, and New Jersey continues to see a rise in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths. As such, early intervention, treatment, and fentanyl detox are critical.
Benzodiazepines
Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin are among the most commonly abused drugs in New Jersey. Benzodiazepines are drugs that are prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, insomnia, and sometimes substance use. Like many drugs of abuse, these prescription medications can be extremely addictive and misused.
Misuse of benzodiazepines is often related to co-occurring mental health disorders or psychological concerns. People with benzodiazepine addictions often need dual diagnosis treatment to address both their addiction and the mental health issues that are related to their substance use.
Polysubstance Abuse
It’s important to note that many people struggle with polysubstance abuse, which is a term that refers to the abuse of more than one drug or substance at the same time. For example, polysubstance abuse may include alcohol, opioids, and stimulants.
Polysubstance abuse and dependence can complicate both the withdrawal process and treatment, which is why understanding and treating the causes of addiction is essential for long-term recovery.
Get Help for the Most Commonly Abused Drugs in New Jersey
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to one or more of the commonly abused drugs in New Jersey, we want to help. Contact Nirvana Recovery for a free consultation or assessment today. Whether you’re ready to start rehab or just want more information, we’re here to help. We are proud to offer New Jersey addiction treatment in Somerset County, Bergen County, Monmouth County, and across the state.
Give yourself or a loved one the gift of recovery. Call Nirvana Recovery now and take the first step toward healing. Call Nirvana Recovery Today
