The statistics surrounding addiction in New Jersey paint a picture of a significant public health challenge that the state is facing. In 2019, alcohol abuse led 20,651 New Jersey residents to seek treatment, accounting for 31% of all admissions for substance abuse treatment in the state. This underscores alcohol’s significant role in the addiction landscape of New Jersey.
Of all treatment admissions, heroin was reported as the primary drug abused by 42 percent of individuals, followed by cocaine (13%), and marijuana (9%). This indicates a particularly severe opioid crisis, with heroin at the forefront.
In 2022, New Jersey faced a significant public health crisis with 2,914 confirmed overdoses. This statistic underscores the urgent need for effective intervention and support systems to address the overdose epidemic.
Almost 70 percent of people who seek treatment for addiction in New Jersey are men, with the age group of 35 to 44 making up 24 percent of those seeking help. This demographic data helps in understanding who is most affected by substance use disorders in the state.