New Jersey Substance Addiction Treatment and Programs

The state of New Jersey offers a variety of rehabilitation programs to help individuals who cope with alcoholism and drug abuse to turn their lives around. Without the assistance of a treatment center, very few addicts are able to achieve a successful, long-term recovery from substance abuse. Addiction treatment programs can offer the necessary skills and resources to teach an addict how to live a normal lifestyle without dependence on drugs and alcohol. The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services found 351 rehab centers in New Jersey in 2006. These include treatment facilities in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Trenton, Camden, Clifton, and many other locations in the state of New Jersey.

Addiction Recovery Treatment in New Jersey

The process of addiction recovery is rather similar for alcoholism and drug abuse. People generally turn to alcohol and drugs for the same reasons. They are different substances with different withdrawal symptoms, but the rehabilitation process is basically the same for both. In fact, many addicts who seek treatment at a rehab facility suffer from alcoholism and drug abuse at the same time. When this is the case, it is necessary to make sure that the treatment facility chosen is equipped to handle both addictions. Most treatment centers are, but some only deal with abuse of one particular substance.

The road to recovery from a severe addiction is often not an easy path. If a person has relied on drugs and alcohol for a long period of time, the initial detox or withdrawal period can be painful and even dangerous without medical supervision. Addicts should go through detox at a licensed detox center or rehab facility for safety as well as a chance of success. Being in an environment in a treatment center where there is no access to the substance of choice for someone suffering from alcoholism or drug abuse is essential.

After the first few days in a rehab facility, the most difficult part of withdrawal will be over. However, there is a lot more work to be done for true addiction recovery. Stopping addiction treatment too soon is one of the main reasons why addicts fail in a rehab center and relapse after a brief period of sobriety. Alcoholism and drug abuse have an affect on an individual’s brain that will last for months or even years. Emotional and psychological help is necessary to be able to cope with this. A treatment center should help an addict find the root causes of the addiction. Other skills and tools are necessary to begin to live a normal lifestyle, such as learning how to resist cravings, how to avoid triggers in everyday life, learning about the nature of addiction, and much more.

Drug Abuse and Alcoholism in New Jersey

New Jersey has a rather large number of drug abuse centers and alcohol rehab facilities for such a small state. Unfortunately, this is because there is a significant rate of addiction among residents there. Heroin, crack, club drugs, and marijuana are all commonly found in this state. In 2003, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated 446,000 people suffering from alcoholism in New Jersey.