Newark lies directly across from New York City, and it is the largest city in the state of New Jersey. Unfortunately, the area has been affected by socioeconomic issues for an extended period, which has caused beyond average numbers of drug addiction and overdose. The only way to combat these negative changes is to make drug rehab available to those in need. If you’d like to learn more about the scope of drug use in Newark and why addiction treatment is vital, continue reading.
Newark Drug Rehab Statistics
Studies released in Newark show it has the highest prevalence of substance use in New Jersey, according to the Newark Community Collaborative Board. Substance abuse is commonly tied to other public health issues, such as infectious diseases. Since intravenous drug use may expose drug users to dangers like HIV, Newark has the highest rates of HIV and AIDS in the state.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a few of the most prominent risk factors for addiction include drug availability on school grounds, poverty, and drug use among peers. As a parent, some factors that protect vulnerable youth from becoming addicted to drugs include academic competence, parental monitoring, and anti-drug use policies on campus. Unfortunately, an estimated 42 percent of the Newark population has not finished high school.
The United States witnessed a staggering 70,200 drug overdose deaths in 2017, and 47,600 of these deaths involved opioids. Fentanyl, which is a potent synthetic opioid, accounted for the significant increase in overdoses. New Jersey saw 30 deaths per 100,000 persons in that same year.
Most Commonly Abused Substances in Newark
Due to its legality in many states, marijuana is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States.
It is followed closely by heroin, which is more potent and cheaper than prescription opioids. Other commonly abused drugs in Newark include synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamine, and psychedelic drugs, such as LSD or mushrooms.
Newark's Drug Rehab History and Rankings
Despite Newark’s status as the largest city in New Jersey, it has a long-running problem of economic issues and substance abuse. The national median income is 62,000 dollars per year, while Newark is a mere $13,000.
The opioid epidemic has hit New Jersey hard in the last few years, and opioid overdose deaths rose 29 percent between 2016 and 2017. Despite healthcare providers writing fewer opioid prescriptions than the national average, the area has been hit by fentanyl and heroin abuse.
Quick Treatment Facts
Addiction is a complex disease that requires a unique approach to overcome. With that said, treating addiction is a challenging process that must address multiple needs relating to substance abuse. Effective treatment looks at more than just substance abuse, and it will address psychological, physical, and social issues directly or indirectly relating to drug abuse.
Individual needs are important, and effective treatment must be personalized for the client. Universal treatment does not exist, and the process must adapt to their specific needs for maximum effectiveness.
