The state of New Jersey is home to a large number of people struggling with substance abuse. So, it’s no surprise that Newark has been afflicted with this serious health issue.
Fortunately, there are also numerous accredited drug rehab facilities in Newark, NJ, with high recovery rates. This reflects not only the person’s overall health and well-being as well as their family’s but also the community as a whole.
In this post, we’ll discuss what addiction is and the types of rehabilitation programs available to help secure a drug-free, fulfilling lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Understanding Addiction
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines drug addiction as a chronic disease. It’s characterized by the continued use of one or more substances that quickly become too difficult to control, despite the complex risk factors and harmful consequences.
Over time, drug addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), causes changes to the brain. These changes affect how a person deals with self-control. So, they become more and more dependent on drugs. Consequently, this results in a maladaptive pattern of substance abuse.
Statistics on Drug Addiction in Newark
According to the Department of Human Services, Newark had the highest number of drug-related criminal offenses with over 3,500 arrests. As a result, the city ranked number one among all of New Jersey’s municipalities for substance abuse treatment admissions a year later, with admissions reaching nearly 3,000 out of the 59,000 in all of New Jersey.
Based on the report documented by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, the state has over 60,000 drug treatment admissions each year.
Of these admissions, 42% noted heroin as the main drug abused, 13% reported cocaine as the drug abused, and 9% reported marijuana.
Of the 21 counties in New Jersey, Essex County has five times more substance abusers than alcoholics. Since Newark is a huge part of Essex County, that makes it the primary hub for these illicit activities.
Unfortunately, drug abuse is falling the hardest on the young people of Newark.
Statistics show that smoking cigarettes is the norm for many middle and high school students. Alcohol is also quickly becoming part of their lifestyle.
Yet, it’s the number of drug abuse cases that’s more alarming.
Nearly 36% of high school students have used marijuana, whereas nearly 10% of middle school students state they’ve used it. Compare that to only 20% of adult use, and you get a clear picture of how severe the drug problem is in this northeast city.
Here are a few more frightening statistics:
- Cocaine: 7% of adults, 6% of high school students, 4% of middle school students
- Steroids: 2% of high school students, 1.5% of middle school students
- Heroin: 47% of adults, 2% of students
- Methamphetamines and other stimulants: 10% of adults, 5% of school students
- Sprays, glue, and other inhalants: 6% of adults, 10% of high school students, 9% of middle school students
Understanding Rehabilitation
The first step in effectively treating drug addiction is to find a treatment center that covers all the needs of the substance abuser. Luckily, there are plenty of detox services in Newark with an abundance of treatment programs that focus on a safe and effective withdrawal from substance dependence for a full recovery.
Drug rehabilitation includes a wide range of treatments. Once a medical professional addresses the patient’s substance abuse problem and mental health concerns, they’ll prescribe medication. They’ll also prescribe other forms of suitable medical support.
Many programs include cognitive-behavioral therapy that consists of motivational incentives. This entails giving patients positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from their drug of choice.
They allow patients to understand when they’re susceptible to relapse. It also equips them with the skills and support needed to fully recover, re-enter society, and lead a fulfilling life.
Types of Drug Rehab Treatments
Below are a few examples of some of the most common treatment programs designed specifically for drug rehabilitation. Go through each one to understand what options are available and what types of treatment each program offers.
Remember, the type of treatment will vary according to the person’s personal and medical history, drug of choice, and how long they’ve been addicted. Healthcare professionals must assess these factors in detail before recommending a suitable program.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs cater to individuals with low to moderate levels of addiction. Patients attend a maximum of nine hours of treatment a week at a rehab facility and still be able to live at home.
Treatment is also provided in the evenings and on weekends. This allows patients to continue going to work and school without disrupting their normal routine.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
The only difference between IOPs and outpatient programs is that the former offers more intense treatment. Plus, IOPs allow for dual-diagnosis treatment for those struggling with other psychological or medical issues in addition to drug abuse.
Designed for people with a medium to high addiction level, patients need to attend between 10 and 20 hours of treatment per week at a specialty center. There are also evening IOPs that allow patients to go to work and school, and care for their families while still receiving the treatment they need.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
Also known as day programs, PHPs are also tailored for those with medium to high levels of addiction.
They’re more suited to patients who require a structured routine while still maintaining an intensive treatment program. During these comprehensive treatments, patients attend 4–8 hours of treatment throughout the week.
Residential and Inpatient Treatment
Residential and inpatient treatment are two programs designed for those suffering from high addiction levels. These programs require that the patient resides in a rehabilitation facility, medical clinic, or hospital specialty unit during the course of their treatment. This can last from one month to a year according to each patient’s needs.
This provides a more structured program with round-the-clock counseling and medical support. That’s why they’re typically reserved for those suffering from serious mental or medical disorders.
Selecting the Right Rehab Center
Newark has more than 450 accredited drug rehab centers. To help you select the best one, we rounded up a handful of factors to consider when evaluating each center.
- Check out reviews and client testimonials, preferably from a third-party site
- Ask about their accreditation
- Look at their daily schedule
- Inquire about the types of therapies they offer
- See if they provide aftercare programs
- Take a tour of the facilities and do a visual inspection of its level of cleanliness
Local Resources and Support Systems
Whether you’re an individual seeking treatment or a family trying to help one of their own, there are numerous resources available to make your recovery more seamless.
Surround Yourself with Sober Friends and Family
After treatment, individuals return to their daily routines. Yet, because they’ve successfully ended their bad habits, they no longer have the same group of acquaintances they had before rehab.
That’s why it’s important to focus more on building relationships with sober family and friends to prevent relapsing and provide support.
Join a Recovery Support Group
Aftercare programs act as a support system. These programs provide individuals with the recovery strategies they need to carry on with their lives without drugs.
They also hold individuals accountable. Plus, they help them cope with the triggers that may result in a relapse.
The Role of Community in Drug Rehab
During recovery, patients feel isolated and lonely. Oftentimes, they’re isolated from friends and family. It can be frustrating, especially when they feel they can no longer contribute to society or continue in their normal daily routine.
Luckily, having a supportive community is vital in providing individuals with the emotional support they need to get through this difficult time.
Conclusion
Thanks to the wide selection of drug rehab facilities in Newark, NJ, those who need help can easily find one that suits their individual needs and preferences.
The benefits of rehab, whether inpatient or out, can make a huge difference in providing people with the support they need to become successful and happy members of the community.
