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In 2016, more than 76,000 people were admitted to a substance abuse treatment program in New Jersey.1 This number has been steadily increasing over the years; in fact, it rose by approximately 7,000 in just one year.1,2
The rate of drug overdose deaths in New Jersey also continues to rise year after year. Most recent data show 1,454 deaths in 2015, a 16% increase from the previous year.3
There are noticeable trends in substance abuse treatment in New Jersey, with data showing higher admissions in the eastern counties of the state. Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties have some of the highest numbers of admits, while the northwestern counties of Sussex, Warren, and Hunterdon show a considerably lower number of admissions.1
Heroin and alcohol were the major drugs of abuse fueling treatment admissions in NJ in 2016, at 43% and 27% respectively.1
According to the 2015-2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, New Jersey residents experience substance abuse in multiple ways:
In a 2018 report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that New Jersey was one of five states to experience an increase of more than 30 percent in opioid-related deaths during a 12-month period ending in 2017. This is a direct contrast to many other states that saw the number of deaths decrease during the same period.
Specifically, the state lost 1,695 lives to opioid-related deaths in the 12-month period ending July 2016. New Jersey then experienced 2,284 deaths for the period ending July 2017, an increase of 34.7 percent.
The spike observed in New Jersey drug-related fatalities is attributed to the increased distribution of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a painkiller that is 50 times more powerful than heroin, and it's often mixed in with heroin. It can kill in just minutes, making it difficult for first responders to successfully treat overdose patients.
While prevention and treatment of all substance use disorders are available in New Jersey, opioids are currently the primary focus of most lawmakers and healthcare professionals. The alarming increase in overdose deaths has brought the nationwide opioid crisis into the spotlight for New Jersey residents.
New Jersey is implementing three primary strategies to curb the overuse of prescription opioid medications and illegal opioids:
New Jersey lawmakers are working to toughen regulations for opioid prescriptions. The state passed one of the strictest laws in the country when it limited opioid prescriptions to just five days. The same piece of legislation makes it easier to seek addiction treatment, requiring insurers to cover the first four weeks of inpatient substance abuse programs without preauthorization.
The state of New Jersey is extremely harsh on drug-related cases. Legal penalties depend on the drug's risk for dependency, amount involved, as well as whether the crime was related to possession or distribution.
If you're found in possession of an illicit substance, you may face the following penalties.
| Drug Amount | Potential Sentencing |
|---|---|
| 50 g or less | 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine and a suspended driver's license for up to 1 year |
| More than 50 g | 18 months in jail, $25,000 fine and a suspended driver's license for up to 1 year |
However, possession of cocaine, heroin and LSD can come with a more severe punishment. For example, if one of these drugs is found in your possession, you can face three to five years in jail, plus up to $15,000 in fines. Additionally, possessing an illegal drug within 1,000 feet from a school will add at least 100 hours of community service and an increased fine to your original sentence.
While medical marijuana is legal in New Jersey, the state's laws are extremely restrictive. Patients and caregivers are required to register with the state, plus pay a $200 fee.
The qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in New Jersey include:
Each patient is limited to two ounces per month and home cultivation is strictly prohibited. State-licensed dispensaries are currently operational; however, there are very few locations.
Recreational marijuana, on the other hand, is illegal across the state. If a person is found in possession of marijuana for personal uses, they will face serious penalties.
| Marijuana Amount | Criminal Charge | PotentialSentence |
|---|---|---|
| 50 g or less | Disorderly person | 6 months in jail and $1,000 maximum fine |
| More than 50 g | Crime | 1.5 years in jail and $25,000 maximum fine |
The state will sometimes consider a conditional release for those facing their first sentence. Under a conditional release, an individual usually participates in a probation program rather than serving time in jail. After successfully completing probation, the charges will be dismissed.
New Jersey's harm reduction laws aim to help prevent and overcome the harmful impact of drug abuse. Over the years, these laws have been put in place in an effort to combat the ripple effect of drug addiction in many neighborhoods.
A fairly new harm reduction law in the Garden State is the Overdose Prevention Act, which was enacted in May 2013. Since overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in New Jersey, the Overdose Prevention Act was enacted to help decrease the number of fatalities in the state. By providing legal protection to those who may witness an overdose, it encourages people to seek emergency medical help immediately. The law also allows doctors to provide naloxone – a medication that blocks the harmful effects of an opioid overdose – to those who have loved ones at risk of overdosing.
New Jersey's Bloodborne Disease Harm Reduction Act was signed into law in 2006. The law allows sterile syringe access programs to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and other infectious diseases. In addition, it also bridges the gap between addiction and drug treatment resources such as medical care, housing programs and other prevention services.
There are currently five New Jersey cities with sterile syringe access programs:
With New Jersey's close location to major drug trafficking areas, the state is part of two High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) programs: New Jersey/New York HIDTA and Philadelphia-Camden HIDTA. Both programs work with state and federal agencies to fight dangerous drug trafficking efforts.
Drug courts started in New Jersey in 1996. Their initial overwhelming success paved the way for additional drug court programs over the following decade.
Typically, a drug court program lasts anywhere from 12 to 24 months. Participants undergo intensive treatment and recovery services encompassing:
In New Jersey, drug courts have proven highly successful in reducing the repeat offenders and overall substance abuse rates.
If you or a loved one is suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, it’s not too late to get help. There are so many options available to you, with more than 1,000 rehab facilities located in New Jersey alone.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a NJ rehab center that’s right for you:
New Jersey has a high number of outpatient and community-based substance abuse treatment programs. The majority of New Jersey's residential and community-based outpatient programs receive local, state, and federal funding. When looking for programs, consider the following:
More than 53,000 people received treatment for substance abuse in New Jersey in 2016. Because treatment programs vary, it's important to understand the basics of some essential services, including:
Recovering from a substance use disorder is challenging, and most people require professional help to achieve lasting recovery. Experienced addiction treatment providers in New Jersey offer counseling, life-skill development, relapse-prevention techniques and ongoing support to help clients craft fulfilling lives in sobriety.
Treatment plans are customized based on each person's unique circumstances and may include some or all of the following levels of care:
For some, the biggest obstacle to beginning treatment is making the decision to seek help. Intervention services assist family members and loved ones through difficult conversations with the person experiencing active addiction. Professional interventionists in New Jersey will help the group prepare for the conversation, guide the intervention to ensure the meeting stays focused and assist in selecting an appropriate addiction treatment program.
For the best chances of long-term sobriety, addiction treatment programs should be customized to meet the individual patient's needs. Clinical assessments are performed by addiction treatment experts to evaluate the extent of the addiction and identify any co-occurring disorders. The results of the assessment are used to determine the best treatment strategy for successful management of the substance use disorder.
Drug and alcohol detox is a common first step of treatment programs. Medical professionals supervise the detox process to ensure that patients are safe and as comfortable as possible.
In some cases, sudden detox can present significant health risks. Physicians carefully monitor patients through the most dangerous withdrawal period and provide appropriate medication to alleviate or prevent withdrawal symptoms as necessary.
Once the detox process is complete, residential addiction treatment can begin. New Jersey inpatient drug rehab is effective because it focuses on the underlying emotional, psychological and behavioral factors that led to the development of a substance use disorder. New Jersey residential addiction treatment programs provide a variety of benefits that aren't available in other settings.
Benefits of inpatient treatment programs include:
While outpatient drug rehab programs don't offer all of the same benefits as an inpatient facility, they can still be effective. Typically, daily activities and therapies are comparable to inpatient programs. The primary difference is that patients return home or to a sober living home after treatment each day.
Outpatient addiction treatment in New Jersey may also be used as a follow-up to inpatient care, offering additional support and guidance through a newly recovered patient's first weeks back in their home environment.
Aftercare and alumni services offer ongoing support for those who have completed an inpatient or outpatient drug rehab program. Aftercare helps to ensure that recovery is successful long-term.
The use of medication in the treatment of substance use disorders may extend beyond suppressing withdrawal symptoms during detox. Medication-assisted treatment combines medications to either prevent withdrawal or deter substance use with behavioral therapy. Studies show that in many cases, the use of medication in addition to tailored therapy can help sustain recovery long-term.
Many individuals experiencing addiction have additional mental health conditions requiring treatment, known as co-occurring disorders or a dual diagnosis.
Common mental health issues include:
Any mental health condition may exacerbate addiction issues. Patients diagnosed with co-occurring disorders require specialized treatment plans that address all of their needs.
Group therapy is a staple of substance use disorder treatment, and in many cases, the groups include both men and women. However, this type of setting isn't right for every patient. Many treatment centers offer gender-specific therapy groups to ensure that participants are comfortable exploring their feelings during the sessions.
Many types of therapy are available to treat substance use disorders. Some programs may limit their focus to certain solutions, so it's important to gather information about possible treatment plans when determining which treatment center best fits a person's needs.
Behavioral therapies are one-on-one therapy sessions that explore the principle that behaviors are learned and therefore can be changed. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and motivational interviewing, all of which have been proven effective in helping people suffering from addiction to reduce unhealthy and self-destructive behaviors.
A variety of complementary therapies have been shown to support and sustain recovery efforts. Activities such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, equine therapy and journaling focus on whole-body wellness and can enhance well-being.
One-on-one counseling is an opportunity for patients to explore the factors that underlie the addiction with a professional who specializes in recovery.
Sharing the day-to-day struggles of recovery and receiving support from peers in a professionally guided group session fosters a connection with others who are building lives in sobriety.
Family therapy supports those who have been impacted by the addiction of a loved one. Family members receive addiction education and work to improve communication within the family unit.
Healthy eating and physical activity are proven mood elevators, and related therapies can transform patients' physical and mental health.
Everyone faces stress at one time or another. Creating healthy habits for coping is critical for long-term recovery.
High-quality addiction treatment programs ensure patients leave prepared with the skills they need for long-term success, such as finding employment, finishing an education and managing finances.
Most health insurance plans include coverage for substance use disorder treatment. Benefits and copays vary by provider.
Providers offering health insurance in New Jersey may include:
Many treatment centers offer additional programs to assist with any remaining out-of-pocket expenses. These may include sliding-scale fee structures, grants, scholarships, and monthly payment plans.
New Jersey drug rehab programs vary in length, depending on the treatment methods used and how quickly the person progresses through treatment. While some are short-term, lasting a month or less, others can extend for a year or more. Aftercare and alumni services may last a lifetime.
When considering the price of rehab in new-jersey, look at the expense as an investment in your life and the lives of your family. Most recovery facilities are able to take partial payment through any PPO, HMO or private insurance plan you have. If you wish to discuss your eligibility and the expense of treatment in NJ, dial our no-cost help line to get clear and truthful answers to your questions.
Whether your NJ inpatient-residential illicit and prescription drug addiction treatment with take 28 days or 3 months, calling our treatment helpline improves your odds of becoming and keeping healthy. Picking a rehabilitation center that can meet your expectations before you ever get started can also help considerably. When you're ready to book treatment, our phone line advisors can help you find the right spot so you get off on the right foot.
Your out-of-pocket costs for rehab can range from free to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the treatment option you choose, the duration of the program, the location, and your insurance policy. For example, standard inpatient programs cost more than outpatient since they provide patients with room and board. Executive and luxury programs cost more than standard inpatient programs due to their upscale amenities and services, such as spa treatment, massage therapy, gourmet meals, swimming pools, etc.
A program in a more desirable location, such as by the beach, is likely to be more expensive than less coveted settings.
If you’ve picked a NJ rehab center but aren’t sure how you’re going to pay for your program, there are several options you can try:
There may also be nonprofit treatment centers located in New Jersey that offer programs at very little or no cost. See the resources list below to learn about the availability of these programs.
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