Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in Newark and throughout the state of New Jersey. This issue, which refers to the misuse or overuse of prescription drugs, has become a major public health concern in recent years.
According to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, there were 1,014 suspected overdose deaths involving opioids in the state in 2019, with 350 of those deaths occurring in Newark. This reflects a slight decrease from the previous year, but the numbers are still significant.
The state of New Jersey has taken steps to combat this issue by implementing various prescription drug abuse programs. These programs aim to raise awareness, provide education and prevention resources, and offer treatment and recovery options for those struggling with prescription drug abuse.
One of the programs available in Newark is the Newark Treatment Center, which offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. This facility provides a range of services, including counseling, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment using medications such as buprenorphine and methadone to help those struggling with opioid addiction.
The New Jersey Department of Human Services also operates the Opioid Overdose Recovery Program (OORP) in Newark. This program offers peer-led recovery support services for individuals who have experienced an opioid overdose. These services include access to peer support groups, assistance with transportation to medical appointments, and help obtaining medications and other resources.
For individuals struggling with prescription drug abuse, the New Jersey Substance Abuse Hotline provides a confidential and toll-free helpline to connect individuals with local resources and treatment programs. The hotline, which is available 24/7, can also provide support and information for family members and friends of those struggling with addiction.
In addition to these programs, Newark also has a number of rehab centers and facilities that offer specialized treatment for prescription drug abuse. These centers provide a range of services, including detox, individual and group therapy, and follow-up care for those in recovery.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), medication-assisted treatment is the most effective form of treatment for opioid use disorder. However, there are still challenges to accessing this type of treatment in Newark and throughout the state. Some of these challenges include a lack of providers who are trained to provide MAT, limited access to medications, and barriers to insurance coverage.
To address these challenges, the New Jersey state government has implemented initiatives such as the New Jersey Prescription Monitoring Program (NJPMP) and the New Jersey Addiction Services Hotline. These programs aim to improve prescription drug monitoring and increase access to treatment for those struggling with addiction.
Overall, prescription drug abuse programs in Newark and throughout New Jersey are working to combat the growing problem of prescription drug abuse and to provide resources and support for those in need of treatment and recovery. However, there is still much work to be done to address this issue and to ensure that individuals struggling with addiction receive the help they need.