Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for New Jersey
In This Article
New Jersey has been grappling with a significant drug and alcohol addiction crisis, which has had far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the state. This article presents an overview of the latest statistics on substance use disorders, alcohol use and related issues, the opioid crisis, youth substance use, and additional challenges in New Jersey, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.
- The rate of heroin overdose in New Jersey is three times the national average, contributing to 14,000 deaths from drug overdose since 2004.1
- New Jersey had 32.4 overdose deaths per 100,000 people, with 3,056 overdose deaths reported.2
- Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has become a leading contributor to the opioid crisis in New Jersey.1
Substance Use and Disorders
Substance use disorders are prevalent in New Jersey, with a high number of treatment admissions for various substances. Here are some key statistics:
- In 2019, New Jersey saw a total of 98,549 substance abuse treatment admissions, with alcohol being the primary drug for 31% of admissions.3
- Heroin accounted for 42% of substance abuse treatment admissions.3
- Other opiates were the primary drug for a significant number of treatment admissions, reflecting the opioid crisis’s impact.3
These numbers demonstrate the widespread nature of substance use issues in New Jersey and the need for accessible and effective treatment services.
Alcohol Use and Related Issues
Alcohol use and related issues are significant concerns in New Jersey, with excessive drinking contributing to numerous deaths and health problems. Consider these statistics:
- An estimated 140,000 people die every year from alcohol-related causes, highlighting the issue of excessive drinking.4
- Binge drinking was reported by 15.3% of students, with a higher rate among females (16.6%) than males (14%).5
Addressing alcohol-related issues through prevention, treatment, and policy changes is crucial for improving public health in New Jersey.
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Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths
The opioid epidemic has hit New Jersey particularly hard, with high rates of heroin overdose and the increasing prevalence of fentanyl. Here are some troubling statistics:
- The rate of heroin overdose in New Jersey is three times the national average, contributing to 14,000 deaths from drug overdose since 2004.1
- Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has become a leading contributor to the opioid crisis in New Jersey.1
The alarming rates of opioid-related overdose deaths underscore the urgent need to address this crisis through comprehensive prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.
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Youth Substance Use
Substance use among young people in New Jersey is a growing concern, with a significant proportion of high school students using alcohol and marijuana. Here are some relevant statistics:
- Local-level data in Paterson, New Jersey, found that 1 in 4 youth used marijuana in the past 30 days.6
- 30.3% of NJ high school students currently drank alcohol, with 12.8% having their first drink of alcohol before the age of 13.5
Early intervention and prevention efforts are crucial to help young people in New Jersey avoid developing substance use disorders.
The statistics presented in this article paint a grim picture of the drug and alcohol addiction landscape in New Jersey. From the high rates of substance use disorders and the devastating impact of the opioid crisis to the concerning levels of youth substance use, it is clear that the state faces significant challenges in addressing this crisis. However, by prioritizing prevention, expanding access to quality treatment, and supporting long-term recovery, New Jersey can work towards a healthier, more resilient future for all its residents.
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- “The Opioid Crisis in New Jersey: The Problem and How to Get Help.” Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford, accessed 2023.
- “Drug Overdose Mortality by State.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021.
- “Substance Abuse Overview Statewide Report – 2019.” New Jersey Department of Human Services, 2019.
- “Alcohol.” New Jersey Department of Health, accessed 2023.
- “2019 New Jersey Student Health Survey – Alcohol.” New Jersey Department of Education, 2019.
- “Drug Use and Risk Perception among Youth in a High-Risk Urban Community: Implications for Future Research and Programming.” Journal of Community Health, 2021.
