According to the Department of Human Services, Paterson had the highest substance abuse admissions in Passaic County in 2023, accounting for more than 2,300 enrollments.
However, this number seems surprisingly low given city data indicating that over 21% of people living in Paterson have used hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine, and 78% have at least one alcoholic drink per month.
Adding to the concern, of the 2800 suspected overdose deaths in New Jersey in 2023, 134 of those occurred in Passaic County. Paterson has also been identified as a drug transshipment point alongside Newark and Camden.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about alcohol and drug rehab in Paterson, New Jersey, including the signs of addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options.
What Is Addiction, And How Does It Affect Paterson?
Addiction—specifically drug and alcohol addiction—is the physical and psychological dependence on substances despite harmful consequences. People suffering from addiction struggle to control their urges and often go to great lengths to obtain their substance of choice with minimal care about their well-being.
Addiction is a chronic brain disease. It alters the brain’s chemistry in ways that affect a person’s judgment, decision-making, and self-control. Over time, the brain begins to associate the substance with survival, making it extremely difficult for those affected to stop using without professional help.
People suffering from opioid and alcohol addiction have a condition called Substance Use Disorder (SUD). SUD is one of the most widespread mental health conditions in the United States, affecting 48.5 million people aged 12 or older (or 17%).
Despite best efforts, the United States continues to struggle with high rates of alcohol and drug dependency. New Jersey isn’t the worst offender, but it’s still above the US average in overdose death rate at 31 deaths per 100,000 people.
Paterson, in particular, is one of the hardest-hit cities in the state. Paterson reports higher rates of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine use compared to state averages (21%), and the wider Passaic County continues to see more than a hundred overdose deaths each year.
What Causes Addiction?
Addiction doesn’t have a single cause. Instead, it results from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that interact over time. This explains why some people get addicted faster than others, and why some can experiment with substances without becoming dependent. Among the most common causes of addiction are:
- Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders
- Environmental influences, including peer pressure, early exposure to drug or alcohol use, and community or family environments where substance misuse is normalized.
- Stressful or difficult life situations, like loss of a job, loss of a loved one, relationship problems, poverty, and illness
According to research, 50% of people living with mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and PTSD develop an SUD. They use drugs and alcohol to ease emotional pain, manage intrusive thoughts, or dull traumatic memories.
People with a family history of alcohol and drug abuse also have a higher risk of developing an SUD, with research showing that they’re 40 to 60% more likely to develop an addiction compared to those without such a background.
What Are the Signs of Addiction?
Recognizing the early signs of addiction is crucial for early intervention and treatment. People in the early stages of substance use disorder often respond better to treatment compared to those who have been struggling for years.
Here are the most common signs of drug and alcohol addiction:
Physical Symptoms
- Suddenly losing or gaining weight
- Falling ill when not using (withdrawal)
- Noticeable changes in appearance, like bad skin, thinning hair, dandruff, yellowing or rotting teeth, and brittle nails
- Bloodshot eyes and a runny nose
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Increased scarring from injections
- Difficulty sleeping or waking up
Behavioral Symptoms
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work
- Hanging out with people who also use
- Engaging in risky behavior like driving under the influence, unsafe sex, or stealing
- Losing interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed
- Abandoning or avoiding friends and family who question your substance use
- Lying when asked where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing
- Spending a considerable amount of money on substances
- Prioritizing alcohol or drug use over healthier alternatives like food and exercise
Psychological Symptoms
- Obsessive thoughts about drugs or alcohol, to the point that they consume your every waking thought
- Needing more of the substance to feel the same effect (tolerance)
- Sudden mood swings
- Irritability or aggression
- Denial of the problem despite clear consequences
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
What Does Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Look Like?
Alcohol and drug withdrawal look different from one person to the next. Some experience intense withdrawals for several days before symptoms begin to subside, while others may face lingering effects for weeks or even months.
The severity and duration of the withdrawal depend on the type of substance used, the length of use, the amount consumed, and individual health and well-being.
Common symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Watery discharge from the nose and eyes
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue or low energy
- Depression or feelings of hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Intense cravings
- Hallucinations
- Mood swings
- Poor concentration or mental fog
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Changes in appetite
- Muscle cramps and body aches
Is Alcohol or Drug Withdrawal Dangerous?
Yes, alcohol and drug withdrawal can be dangerous. Alcohol withdrawal, in particular, can be life-threatening if not properly managed.
The most severe form of alcohol withdrawal is called Delirium tremens (DTs), characterized by profound confusion, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, hypertension, and autonomic hyperactivity. DTs have a 5 to 15% mortality rate with treatment, and 37% without treatment.
Delirium tremens is relatively rare, occurring in only 5% of patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal. Still, it’s a condition that requires immediate care because even if it doesn’t kill you, it can cause severe complications such as seizures, dehydration, heart problems, or long-lasting damage to the nervous system.
Drug withdrawals aren’t as life-threatening as alcohol withdrawals, but they can be extremely uncomfortable and lengthy.
How Does Paterson Treat Alcohol And Drug Addiction?
Paterson has several drug and alcohol rehab centers that cover a wide range of treatment programs, including:
Detoxification
The first treatment step in many addiction treatment programs in Paterson is detoxification, a process wherein toxic substances are flushed from the body under medical supervision.
Depending on the severity of the addiction, detox may last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks and often includes medication-assisted support, hydration, and monitoring.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat addiction.
Two of the most common therapies used in addiction treatment include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
CBT helps patients recognize and change negative thought patterns, while DBT teaches patients how to regulate their emotions, tolerate distress, and manage triggers.
Group Support
People in recovery are encouraged to participate in group support services like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and 12-step programs.
These groups provide peer support, accountability, and a structural framework that helps individuals stay committed to sobriety.
Where to Find Treatment Near Paterson, NJ
Garden State Treatment Center is one of the most reputable and comprehensive addiction treatment centers in New Jersey.
Our services include drug and alcohol detox, inpatient admissions, and intensive outpatient programs, dual diagnosis treatment, individual therapy and group therapy, relapse prevention, and aftercare.
Contact us today for a confidential, no-commitment consultation and start your journey to recovery.
Written by: The Garden State Treatment Center Editorial Team
Published on: September 30, 2025
Updated on: November 23, 2025
