The Impact of Drug Use in Newark
Drug use in Newark, NJ, is a major public health issue, deeply affecting some of the most vulnerable populations in the city. High poverty rates, limited access to education, and severe health disparities have made Newark one of the areas hardest hit by the substance abuse crisis. From opioids to alcohol and other illicit drugs, addiction impacts every aspect of life in Newark, particularly in low-income neighborhoods where individuals often struggle to find the resources they need to break free from substance use.
Substance abuse does not just harm individual users but ripples through entire communities, fueling violence, crime, and health epidemics. At Serenity at Summit, we understand the challenges Newark faces and are committed to providing comprehensive drug rehabilitation programs designed to help individuals reclaim their lives from addiction.
The impact of drug use in Newark extends beyond the health and economic risks faced by individuals. As substance abuse rates continue to rise, entire neighborhoods suffer, struggling to maintain safety and well-being for all residents. Drug trafficking, addiction, and related crimes create an atmosphere of fear and instability.
Some of the ways drug use affects Newark include:
- Exposure to drug-related crimes: The prevalence of drug trafficking increases crime rates and puts residents at risk of violent confrontations.
- Community violence: Shootings and other violent crimes are often tied to the drug trade, putting innocent bystanders at risk.
- Police involvement: Higher drug-related crime rates lead to increased police surveillance, affecting all residents in the area.
- Parental concerns: Many parents worry about their children being exposed to drugs or becoming victims of addiction-related crimes.
At Serenity at Summit, we see the toll addiction takes on families and communities in Newark. Our goal is to offer a safe, supportive environment where individuals can begin their recovery journey, reducing the ripple effect of drug addiction on the entire community.
Drug Use Across New Jersey
Newark’s struggles with drug addiction reflect wider trends across New Jersey. The New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System (NJ-SAMS) provides insight into substance abuse throughout the state, highlighting the drugs most commonly linked to addiction treatment admissions.
- Heroin accounts for 36% of all admissions for substance abuse treatment, underscoring the opioid epidemic’s powerful grip on New Jersey.
- Alcohol accounts for 37% of admissions, making it one of the most frequently abused substances, especially given its widespread availability.
- Cocaine/Crack use has also seen a resurgence, particularly in urban areas like Newark, where 6% of treatment admissions involve this substance.
- Prescription opioids contribute to 8% of treatment admissions, with many individuals transitioning from prescribed medications to illicit drugs like heroin.
- Methamphetamine use remains lower, at 2%, but is steadily rising as meth becomes more available in the state.
These trends highlight the diverse range of substances impacting New Jersey residents, from alcohol to heroin, opioids, and cocaine. At Serenity at Summit, our treatment programs in New Jersey are designed to address the full spectrum of substance use disorders, providing personalized care for each individual based on their specific needs.
Most Commonly Abused Drugs in Newark
In Newark, drug abuse patterns mirror those of the rest of New Jersey, but certain substances have a particularly strong hold on the city. According to data from the Newark Community Collaborative Board, the most commonly abused drugs include heroin, alcohol, marijuana, and prescription opioids.
Newark residents often turn to heroin due to its affordability and accessibility compared to prescription opioids. Heroin, often laced with the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl, is responsible for many overdose deaths in the area. New Jersey has one of the highest opioid overdose rates in the nation, with fentanyl being a leading factor in overdose fatalities.
At Serenity at Summit’s New Jersey facilities, we specialize in treating opioid addiction through comprehensive programs that include medically supervised detox, inpatient residential care, and outpatient services. We offer specialized treatment for those struggling with heroin and opioid addiction, utilizing evidence-based approaches that address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Drug Use Statistics in Newark
In Essex County, which includes Newark, the most recent statistics reflect the ongoing struggles with substance use.
The most commonly abused substances, according to the latest data, include:
- Heroin: 44% of all treatment admissions in Essex County were for heroin addiction.
- Alcohol: 23% of admissions were for alcohol-related substance use disorders, reflecting the widespread availability and cultural acceptance of alcohol.
- Marijuana: 18% of admissions involved marijuana, particularly among younger users.
- Cocaine/Crack: 6% of admissions were tied to cocaine or crack use, with usage rates rising in certain communities.
- Other drugs: 4% of admissions were linked to other drugs, including methamphetamine and prescription medications.
The majority of individuals admitted for treatment in Essex County are between the ages of 25 and 54, with 61% identifying as male and 39% as female. In 2022, over 7,314 individuals were admitted for substance abuse treatment in Essex County, with over 800 individuals requiring readmission after relapsing.
At Serenity at Summit, we recognize that addiction is a chronic disease that often requires multiple rounds of treatment to achieve long-term recovery. We work closely with our clients to develop relapse prevention strategies and offer aftercare services to support sustained sobriety.
Addiction Treatment Options in Newark
Effective addiction treatment in Newark and throughout New Jersey includes a variety of approaches designed to meet each individual’s unique needs.
Some of the most common treatment options include:
- Outpatient care: 19% of individuals attended outpatient programs, which offer flexibility for those with work, family, or school commitments.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): 20% of individuals required more structured treatment through IOP, which provides a higher level of care without requiring full-time residency.
- Residential detox programs: 20% of individuals entered detox programs, which help manage withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision.
- Long-term residential treatment: 7% of individuals benefited from extended stays in residential treatment centers, addressing both addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders.
At Serenity at Summit, we offer a full range of addiction treatment options in New Jersey, including medically supervised detox, intensive outpatient programs, and dual diagnosis care for individuals dealing with both addiction and mental health conditions.
Proven Treatments for Drug Addiction
Addiction is a treatable condition, and the most effective treatment plans are personalized to the individual. At Serenity at Summit, we follow evidence-based practices that have been proven to help people achieve and maintain long-term recovery. Some of the treatments we offer include:
Behavioral Counseling
Our licensed therapists use therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help individuals identify the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
For those struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, MAT combines FDA-approved medications like Suboxone or Vivitrol with therapy to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
Dual Diagnosis Care
For individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, our dual diagnosis program addresses both addiction and mental health simultaneously.
Holistic Therapies
We offer holistic treatments like yoga, meditation, and nutritional counseling to support emotional and physical healing.
Each individual at Serenity at Summit receives a personalized treatment plan designed to address the root causes of their addiction and develop healthy coping strategies.
Local Treatment Options in Newark
For individuals seeking local substance abuse treatment in Newark, there are numerous resources available. These programs aim to help individuals break the cycle of addiction and regain control of their lives. Local resources include:
- Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT): A community coalition focused on reducing underage drug use through education and prevention.
- New Jersey Prevention Network: A public health organization that provides training and prevention services to reduce the impact of addiction across the state.
- Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey: Offers educational resources and assistance programs to help families prevent and address substance abuse issues.
- Center for Family Services: A nonprofit that offers low-cost treatment programs for youth, adults, and families affected by substance use disorders.
At Serenity at Summit, we work with many of these local organizations to provide seamless access to the highest quality care. Whether individuals are seeking outpatient treatment, residential detox, or long-term recovery programs, we are committed to offering the support and resources needed for lifelong recovery.
Contact Serenity at Summit
Serenity At Summit New Jersey
Address and Contact Information
- Phone Number: (844) 326-4514
- Address: 1000 Galloping Hill Road Union, NJ 07083