Opioid addiction remains one of the most serious public health crises in the United States, and New Jersey has felt its impact directly. Understanding the scope of the problem is often the first step toward seeking help for yourself or a loved one:
- In 2023, opioids were involved in an estimated 79,358 overdose deaths nationwide, and synthetic opioids — primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl — were involved in 72,776 of those deaths, making fentanyl the dominant driver of the overdose crisis. (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023 data)
- An estimated 8.9 million people aged 12 and older (3.1% of the population) misused opioids in the past year, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health — including 8.6 million who misused prescription pain relievers. (SAMHSA, 2023 NSDUH)
- New Jersey recorded 2,816 overdose deaths in 2023 — more than seven residents lost every day — though this marked an 11% decline from the 3,171 deaths reported in 2022. (New Jersey Department of Health, 2025)
- Among people who misused prescription pain relievers, the most commonly misused medication was hydrocodone — a reminder that opioid addiction often begins with a legitimate prescription rather than illicit drug use. (SAMHSA, 2023 NSDUH)
Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); New Jersey Department of Health. Data reflects the most recent finalized figures available as of 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between “opioids” and “opiates”?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a technical distinction. “Opiates” refers to natural substances derived directly from the opium poppy, such as morphine and codeine. “Opioids” is the broader, more current term that includes opiates as well as semi-synthetic drugs (like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin) and fully synthetic drugs (like fentanyl and methadone). In everyday use — including on this page — “opioid” is generally used as the umbrella term, since most addiction cases today involve prescription opioids, illicit synthetic opioids, or a combination of both.
Is opioid withdrawal dangerous?
Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening on its own, but it can be intensely uncomfortable and, in some cases, medically complicated — especially when other substances, health conditions, or mental health concerns are involved. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, and strong cravings, which can lead people to relapse in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. Relapse after a period of abstinence also carries a serious risk of overdose, because tolerance drops quickly during withdrawal. This is why medically supervised detox is strongly recommended: it allows trained clinical staff to manage symptoms safely, monitor for complications, and set the stage for ongoing treatment.
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medications — such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone — with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat opioid use disorder. These medications work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which allows patients to focus on the underlying behavioral, emotional, and social work of recovery. MAT is considered an evidence-based standard of care for opioid addiction, and it can be used during detox, throughout residential or outpatient treatment, and as part of long-term relapse prevention. Whether MAT is appropriate for you depends on your individual history and goals, and it’s something our clinical team can discuss with you as part of a full assessment.
How do I know if I need inpatient or outpatient care?
The right level of care depends on factors like the severity and length of your opioid use, whether you’ve attempted treatment before, your home environment, and any co-occurring mental health or medical conditions. Inpatient (residential) treatment provides 24/7 support and structure, which is often recommended for people early in recovery, those with a history of relapse, or those whose home environment isn’t conducive to healing. Outpatient care offers more flexibility to continue working, attending school, or caring for family while still receiving structured therapy and support. Many people move through a continuum of care — starting with detox and residential treatment, then stepping down to intensive outpatient or standard outpatient programs. A clinical assessment is the best way to determine which level of care fits your situation.
Will my insurance cover opioid addiction treatment?
Many insurance plans, including most major private insurers, help cover addiction treatment, since mental health and substance use disorder services are considered essential health benefits under federal law. Coverage details — including which levels of care are covered, for how long, and what your out-of-pocket costs might be — vary by plan. Our admissions team can verify your insurance benefits confidentially and walk you through your options before you commit to anything, so you can make an informed decision about care without added financial stress.
