New Jersey is facing a severe public health crisis. In 2023, more than seven residents lost their lives each day from an overdose. Although it has greatly declined from 3,100 overdose deaths in 2022 to 2,800 in 2023, it still represents a sizable share of the national total. Newark, in particular, records some of the highest overdose rates in the state.
According to City Data, 19% of Newark residents have used hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine. Meanwhile, 75% have at least one alcoholic drink per month.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about alcohol and drug rehab in Newark, NJ, including the signs of addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options.
What Is Addiction, and How Does It Affect Newark, NJ?
Addiction—specifically in the context of alcohol and drug addiction—is described as the physical and psychological dependence on a substance despite harmful consequences.
People suffering from addiction find it increasingly difficult to abstain from alcohol or drugs. It’s a chronic condition, one that chemically alters the brain over time. These changes affect the brain’s reward system, motivation, memory, and self-control, creating powerful cravings and diminishing the individual’s ability to make rational decisions about substance use.
People who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction have a condition known as Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
According to the United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 16% of Americans—or approximately 48.5 million people—are living with an SUD. It’s one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States and, unfortunately, the most undertreated.
In New Jersey, over 460,000 residents aged 12 or older have been diagnosed with an SUD. Approximately 64% of those admitted for heroin, cocaine, and crack were from Newark.
What Are the Causes of Addiction?
Addiction doesn’t have a single cause. It’s often a result of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that interact over time. Some of the most common contributors include:
- Mental health conditions like depression, trauma, or anxiety
- Growing up in a household or community where substance use is common and normalized
- Trauma, particularly childhood trauma
- Stressful or difficult family situations, lack of parental supervision, and early exposure to substance use
- Peer pressure, especially in adolescence
According to research, about 59% of people who suffer from childhood trauma develop substance abuse problems that may lead to addiction. Moreover, 50% of people struggling with mental health issues develop SUD at some point in their lives.
Genetics also plays a major role in developing an addiction. People who have a family history of addiction are more susceptible to substance misuse, as inherited traits can influence how the brain responds to drugs or alcohol.
This explains why some people develop an addiction faster than others. People with a family history of addiction are more prone to cravings, dependence, and compulsive use compared to those without the same genetic predisposition.
Why Do People Use Drugs or Alcohol?
People use drugs or alcohol for a variety of reasons. Understanding the why is often the first step to addressing the condition effectively. Reasons why people start using include:
- To feel good: Drugs and alcohol can make people feel “high” or euphoric. They can also temporarily alleviate physical pain, which is why SUD is common among people suffering from chronic pain
- To improve performance: Stimulants or steroids can boost energy, focus, strength, or athletic ability
- To escape reality: Substances may be used to numb feelings or avoid dealing with difficult life situations (common with people suffering from PTSD, poverty, loss of a loved one, health issues, and relationship problems)
- To cope with mental health conditions: Many people with SUD also have co-occurring mental illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. They use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate and temporarily alleviate feelings of sadness or distress
- To fit in: Many start using drugs or alcohol because of peer pressure, social acceptance, or wanting to feel part of a group
- To experiment or sate curiosities: Some try substances out of curiosity or to experience new sensations.
What Are the Signs of Addiction?
Catching the early signs of addiction is crucial to early intervention and treatment. The longer substances are misused, the harder it’ll be to stop due to increased physical dependence and changes in brain functions.
Early signs and symptoms to watch for include:
- Feeling a strong need to use the substance regularly, sometimes multiple times a day
- Intense cravings that block out other thoughts
- Needing larger amounts over time to achieve the same effect (tolerance)
- Spending a considerable time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance’s effects
- Continuing use despite it causing physical, psychological, or social problems
- Engaging in risky behaviors like stealing, driving under the influence, or unprotected sex
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to substance use
- Spending more time with people who engage in substance use
- Isolating oneself from friends and family, particularly when they begin to question you about substance use
- Bloodshot eyes, changes in appetite or sleep, or neglect of personal hygiene
- Degradation of appearance, including thinning hair, yellowing or rotting teeth, weak nails, and bad skin
What Does Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal Look Like?
Drug and alcohol withdrawal differ from person to person. Some people may experience an intense but short-lived withdrawal, while others may suffer lingering symptoms for weeks or even months.
The severity and duration of the withdrawal depend on factors like the type of substance used, length of use, dosage, whether multiple substances were involved, and overall health and well-being.
Here are the common symptoms of alcohol and drug withdrawal:
Physical Symptoms
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness and agitation
- Excessive sweating
- Hyperthermia (high body temperature)
- Seizures
- Heart palpitations
- Headache
- Tremors
Psychological Symptoms
- Intense cravings
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Depression and anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Restlessness
- Confusion
Is Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous?
Drug and alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous.
Alcohol withdrawal, in particular, can be life-threatening if not managed properly. People who experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome may develop severe complications such as seizures, hallucinations, or delirium tremens (DTs).
Delirium Tremens is one of the leading causes of death during alcohol withdrawal, with a 5 to 15% mortality with treatment and up to 35% without treatment. Symptoms begin as early as 6 to 12 hours after the last drink and may last 7 days or more.
Drug withdrawal isn’t as life-threatening as alcohol withdrawal, but it can be extremely uncomfortable. People who have gone through drug withdrawals often describe it as the worst experience of their lives and that it feels “like death could be better.”
Death due to drug withdrawals does occur, but they’re rare and often occur due to heart complications or accidents.
How Does Newark, NJ Treat Alcohol and Drug Addiction? Addiction Treatment Programs in Newark
As the largest and most populous city in New Jersey, Newark has received sizable funding from the government to open housing facilities and expand addiction treatment services and substance abuse treatment facilities, including detox centers, inpatient and outpatient services, and long-term residential care.
Here’s how Newark treats SUD:
Detoxification
The first step to treating drug and alcohol addiction is detoxification, which involves flushing out the harmful toxins from the body through medications and medical supervision.
Detoxification helps stabilize the patient, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and prepare them for the next stage of treatment.
Medical professionals may prescribe benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal, methadone or buprenorphine for opioid dependence, and antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to manage mood-related withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat addiction. Two of the most common evidence-based therapies and counseling services used in addiction treatment are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
CBT helps people identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors, while DBT teaches skills to manage emotions and improve relationships.
People who suffer from co-occurring disorders (i.e., people suffering from both mental health issues and addiction) benefit from both because one addresses emotions while the other addresses thought.
Support Groups
Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and 12-step programs help people struggling with addiction find companionship and understanding from peers who share similar experiences. These groups promote accountability, foster personal growth, and offer ongoing support to minimize the risk of relapse.
Newark offers multiple support programs for people in addiction recovery, some of which are free. These include the Relapse Prevention Group (Excel Treatment Center), the SMART Recovery Meeting, and the Helping Families Cope Therapy Group (Ascend Treatment and Wellness Center).
People who struggle to attend support groups can visit online forums like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Online, SMART Recovery Online, and r/RedditorsInRecovery.
Where to Find Addiction Treatment In Newark, NJ
Garden State Detox is one of the most reputable and comprehensive addiction treatment centers in Newark, New Jersey.
Located at 75 Sparta Avenue, Garden State Detox offers a variety of SUD healthcare services, including detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, residential treatment, telehealth, sober living, intensive outpatient program, dual diagnosis treatment, and aftercare.
Contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation and start your recovery journey.
