In a recent Gallup survey, the number of Americans who admitted to consuming alcohol dropped to a historic low of 54%. This is a significant decline from the 60% in 2023, indicating a noticeable shift in drinking habits and perception nationwide.
But while the data suggests a positive trend, alcohol remains the most widely abused substance in the U.S., with over 57.9 million people aged 12 and over reporting binge drinking.
The Garden State, which has the second-lowest per capita rate of alcohol-related fatalities, continues to wrestle with a prevalent alcohol problem.
According to the National Center of Drug Abuse Statistics, more than 16% of New Jersey adults admitted to drinking heavily at least once per month. An average of 3,576 annual deaths is also linked to intoxication.
Substance use disorder (SUD) of any kind is a serious health issue that requires expert care and support. New Jersey has no shortage of reliable alcohol rehab centers that provide premier and accessible addiction treatment options.
But not all programs are the same, which is why choosing the right healthcare provider matters.
Garden State Treatment Center offers flexible levels of care, evidence-based treatment options, and suitable support for people struggling with alcohol abuse in New Jersey. Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Like most addictions, alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects the brain and its functions. It hijacks the central nervous system’s reward system, which ultimately develops into a pattern of alcohol misuse.
The risk of alcohol addiction varies from one person to another—some are more vulnerable than others.
Factors that can contribute to developing problematic drinking habits include early exposure to drinking (usually during teenage years), family genetics, preexisting mental health disorders, and a history of trauma.
A person who struggles with AUD has difficulties controlling their drinking, is constantly preoccupied with alcohol, and continues to consume the substance despite knowing its consequences.
There are three levels of AUD: mild, moderate, and severe, determined by the number of symptoms a patient is experiencing. The level of care experts provide is then designed to align with said symptoms.
If you think you or someone you know is dealing with AUD, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty limiting the amount of alcohol consumed
- Unsuccessful attempts at reducing or stopping drinking
- Spending inordinate amounts of time drinking alcohol
- Feeling an intense urge to drink
- Constantly thinking about when to get alcohol
- Withdrawing from social circles and family
- Consuming alcoholic beverages while driving
- Failing to fulfill commitments and tasks for work or school
Another major symptom of a developing addiction is when the individual needs more of the substance to feel its effects. This suggests heightened tolerance to alcohol and is a classic precursor to AUD.
If you notice it takes more drinks than usual for you to feel intoxicated, it could suggest your tolerance is growing.
Increased tolerance is dangerous because it compels the person to consume more. It masks the body’s natural signals to stop drinking, and can lead to toxic alcohol concentrations in the blood.
Dangerous levels of alcohol in the bloodstream can result in alcohol poisoning, causing critical brain and bodily functions to shut down, including breathing, temperature control, and heart rate. Over 2,000 Americans die from alcohol poisoning every year.
When Should You Seek Help With AUD?
Alcoholism makes a person vulnerable to many mental health and physical ailments. Not to mention social consequences.
Too much ethanol disrupts the endocrine system, destabilizing the hormones that regulate the body. Thyroid diseases, dyslipidemia, erectile dysfunction, and diabetes are disorders that might follow.
But the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing the substance, is typically the organ that takes the brunt of alcoholism. Fat accumulation and toxic byproducts (acetaldehyde) damage liver cells.
People suffering from AUD are more likely to contract steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis.
Among its other severe health consequences are hepatitis, cardiovascular illnesses (high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, etc.), and various types of cancers.
Someone with an AUD is also at a higher risk of developing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Early addiction prevention is crucial to avoid serious health consequences.
If you or a loved one’s drinking causes problems in daily life, be it personal or social, promptly seeking professional support is recommended. Find immediate medical assistance in case of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol overdose or poisoning is a life-threatening emergency. Symptoms of overdosing include confusion, vomiting, stupor, seizures, slow breathing, and low body temperature.
If you suspect someone near you is overdosing, immediately call 911 or other emergency services.
Choosing an Alcohol Rehab Facility
Professional alcohol treatment can make quitting drinking easier and safer for individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
A structured treatment program designed to address the person’s unique circumstances and co-occurring disorders is the most effective approach to lasting recovery. Sufficient mental health support and aftercare are equally important.
For these reasons, choosing the right alcohol rehab is essential.
Determine Your Goals and Needs
Before signing up for rehab, you must understand what exactly you should look for in an alcohol treatment center.
If possible, speak with a physician or counselor to learn about treatment options and existing rehab programs that suit your situation. It may help to note crucial information, such as your alcohol abuse and medical history.
Whether or not you’re dealing with a co-occurring disorder is another vital factor, as some facilities may not provide treatment for dual diagnosis.
Explore Available Levels of Care
Many facilities focus on or specialize in certain types or aspects of addiction care. They utilize different strategies and measures of success. What’s important is to find one that can provide the right level of care you need.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines five main levels of care in drug and alcohol treatment: early intervention, outpatient services, intensive outpatient (IOP), residential rehab, and medically supervised intensive inpatient care.
Your healthcare provider will decide the level of care you’ll need depending on the severity of your symptoms or where you are in your recovery journey.
For most patients, recovery starts with detox therapy. That is, detoxification from alcohol and drugs under professional supervision in a secure environment. Medication may also be prescribed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Medical detox is often offered in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
After ridding the body of alcohol or drugs, many patients transition to inpatient or outpatient rehab programs. There are numerous program options in these two treatment types, all employing different strategies.
When speaking with an expert, be sure to ask which program they think best fits your situation. An ideal rehab center should provide multiple levels of care, encompassing early interventions to post-recovery support.
Assess Credibility and Licenses
Accreditation and licenses serve as indicators that a treatment center is credible to provide medical care for people living with addiction.
They’re proof of compliance with the healthcare industry’s established safety and quality standards.
There are several governing and regulatory bodies you can consult to ensure this.
There’s the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), the Joint Commission, and state-specific licenses. Other recognitions include affiliations with trusted insurance providers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield.
A Trusted Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center In New Jersey
New Jersey’s alcohol abuse problem remains as serious as ever. If you or any of your loved ones are currently struggling with AUD, help is closer than you think.
Garden State Treatment Center is a premier provider of alcohol addiction treatment. The center is committed to delivering accessible, effective, and humane addiction intervention programs for anyone who needs them.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
Located in Sparta Township, New Jersey, Garden State Treatment Center offers evidence-based care to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction and its co-occurring disorders.
Everyone experiences addiction differently, and we believe in tailoring treatment based on the patient’s personal story and unique challenges.
The facility offers multiple levels of outpatient care, including partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and standard outpatient services. These flexible options allow you to receive therapy without having to pause your life.
AUD treatment programs typically involve talk therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Patients may also participate in group or individual counseling sessions.
For families and couples impacted by addiction, the center offers family and couples therapy to improve relationships and help them navigate treatment together.
Team of Reliable Addiction Experts
At the Garden State Treatment Center, patients will work with an experienced and compassionate team of addiction treatment experts.
Daniel Schaffer, the center’s Chief Executive Officer, is a JD graduate of Brooklyn Law School specializing in Health Law. A licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Daniel made it his life’s purpose to make addiction care accessible for everyone.
Medical Director, Dr. Michael Ganon, DO, brings decades of expertise to the table. He’s a board-certified family physician with plenty of experience in leadership. His contributions shape the center’s medical programs.
Alongside Dr. Ganon is Melissa Forte, MA, LCADC, CCS, CGRS, the Clinical Director. Holding a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology, she lends her knowledge by counseling and supervising patients through their recovery journey.
Licensed therapists such as Charlee Miller, LSW, and Anthony Ricci, LSW, complete the clinical team. Together, they work closely with everyone in the Garden State Treatment Center staff, ensuring every patient receives the care they deserve.
Accredited by The Joint Commission
Garden State Treatment Center’s dedication to providing suitable and effective alcohol and drug treatment is backed by The Joint Commission and the New Jersey Department of Health.
Approval from the Joint Commission, one of the most respected accrediting bodies in the country, assures patients that the center upholds rigorous safety and quality standards for clinical practice.
What People Say About Garden State Treatment Center
You can find Garden State Treatment Center on verified listings like Recovery.com, Rehab.com, and the Better Business Bureau. Here’s what former patients have to say about the facility’s services:
“One of the best places I’ve ever been. The therapist and staff are phenomenal. Place has truly saved me from my addiction. Extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to be here.”
“I did the PHP program, and it was amazing. The staff was always on top of my care, I never had to worry about getting the correct medication or having my needs addressed!”
“I just left Garden State, and it was one of the best facilities I have ever been to. The facilitators are very educated and have years of recovery experience.”
Bottom Line: Build a Sober Future In Garden State Today
You’re not fighting alone. Sobriety is possible with the right support.
Garden State Treatment Center is a trusted provider of flexible, evidence-based interventions and programs for drug and alcohol use disorders in New Jersey. Start your sober journey with a stress-free 3-step admission process today!
