Union, New Jersey, is a city in a large metropolitan area close to Newark and New York City. Coastal urban hubs like this are often vulnerable to substance use issues and high availability of illicit drugs. But even in the opioid epidemic, alcohol remains one of the most common sources of addiction and public health issues related to substance use disorders.
Addressing alcoholism and addiction, in general, requires access to drug and alcohol rehab. Learn more about alcohol rehab and alcoholism in Union, New Jersey.
Union Alcohol Rehab Statistics
Alcohol is among the common sources of substance use disorders in the United States. Because it’s so prevalent and widely accepted in American culture, most people are exposed to it at some point in their lives. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 86 percent of responders said they’d had alcohol at least once before.
Most of those people don’t develop an alcohol use disorder, but the survey also found that more than 26 percent of adults reported binge drinking in the past month. Binge drinking includes drinking four drinks for women and five drinks for men within two hours. Long-term heavy drinking can cause health problems and substance use disorders.
In Union County, 33 percent of people who sought addiction treatment cited alcohol as their primary drug of choice. It was the second most common addictive substance in drug rehab admissions after heroin.
Substances Commonly Combined With Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most easily accessible addictive substances in the U.S., and it’s often present when other drugs are used. It can be a potentially deadly additive to some substances, including opioids and other depressants like benzodiazepines. When depressants are mixed, it can cause more intense effects, leading to an overdose quickly. Alcohol can also be dangerous when it’s mixed with stimulants like cocaine. The drugs may combine to counteract some effects, causing users to think they can take more.
New Jersey's Alcohol Rehab History
Though the opioid epidemic has received much of the public health focus in New Jersey, the state has launched efforts to address addiction in general. The state created the New Jersey Coordinator of Addiction Response and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES) in 2018. The new office was tasked with finding solutions to fight addiction, particularly related to the opioid crisis.
Quick Treatment Facts
Excessive alcohol use can cause addiction, which is diagnosed as a severe alcohol use disorder. You can often identify addiction if a person continues their pattern of drinking after serious consequences, such as health or legal issues. Addiction is a chronic disease, but it’s one that can be treated.
Addiction treatment is a multidisciplinary process that’s designed to address substance abuse and underlying issues. Everyone who enters treatment comes with a unique set of needs, including medical, psychological, and social needs. For that reason, effective treatment is tailored to you as an individual. When you enter treatment, you’ll meet with clinical and medical professionals to help create a personalized treatment plan.
