New Jersey, the Garden State, is known for its diverse culture, bustling cities, and picturesque
landscapes. But New Jersey has been significantly impacted by the nationwide opioid (pain pills
+ heroin + fentanyl) epidemic. Heroin is a major problem and the rate of heroin overdose deaths
in New Jersey is three times the national average. NJ has lost nearly 20,000 people to drug
overdose since 2001. Other commonly abused drugs in New Jersey include cocaine, marijuana,
and prescription opioids. Drug-related crime is also a significant problem, with an estimated
70% of violent crime in the state linked to drug activity.

The opioid crisis in NJ is driven primarily by fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. In 2017,
Fentanyl accounted for as much as 50% of all overdose deaths in NJ. Addiction to heroin is a
major issue with an estimated 150,000 people in New Jersey addicted to heroin. The state has
seen a 7X increase in admissions to drug treatment programs over the past decade or so.
There are many drug rehab centers in New Jersey that treat people suffering from an addiction
to opioids and opioid withdrawal. Opioid withdrawalk can be excruiciating. However, it is not
dangerous, like alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol is the second most used drug in New Jersey. Thousands of people seek treatment for
alcohol in New Jersey every year. Although legal alcohol abuse can lead to dangerous
consequences. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to seizures and stroke. So it is important to seek
treatment for stopping alcohol use.

Cocaine is the next most used substance in New Jersey following opioids. Efforts to reduce
cocaine consumption remain an issue, in cities, though, cocaine remains a typical drug. Its
addictive character and accessibility make it a persistent challenge for authorities and health
professionals. For marijuana and cocaine, there are no official detox protocols. So coming off of
marijuana and cocaine requires more work.

Like alcohol, benzos like Klonopin, Xanax, and Ativan come with dangerous withdrawal
symptoms. Benzos are often prescribed for genuine psychological issues but abuse can lead to
dangerous consequences. Benzo withdrawal can lead to seizures and stroke. So, it is important
to seek treatment for stopping alcohol use.

Data on substance abuse treatment in New Jersey yield a range of options. Thousands of
individuals in the state seek substance use disorder treatment annually. Treatment programs
range from outpatient detox inpatient to residential rehabilitation, to MAT.

The most modern way of treating addiction is Outpatient Detox. It has become more popular of
late as it lowers the barriers to accessing treatment. Most people find it difficult to check out of their daily life in order to access treatment. Outpatient Detox is available for all substances –
alcohol, opiates (kratom, oxycodone, oxycontin, tramadol, Percocet, fentanyl, heroin),
benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan) and anesthetics (ketamine). The most acute phase
of addiction treatment, detoxification, can be accessed from home.
The Center for Network Therapy is a pioneer in outpatient detox and has been providing this
level of care since 2013.