Prescription Drug Abuse Programs in Jersey City

Prescription drug abuse has become a major issue in Jersey City and throughout the state of New Jersey. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prescription drug overdose deaths in New Jersey have increased by 18% since 2019, with 1,487 deaths in 2019 alone. In Jersey City, there were 437 reported opioid-related deaths from 2009-2019, with an average of 44 deaths per year.

In response to this growing problem, there are various prescription drug abuse programs and resources available in Jersey City and throughout New Jersey. These programs aim to educate individuals about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and provide support and treatment to those struggling with addiction. Some of the programs available in Jersey City include:

1. Jersey City Medical Center- Behavioral Health Services: This facility offers a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program for individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction. The program includes individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare services. They also have a specialized program for pregnant and postpartum women struggling with substance abuse.

2. Integrity House: This non-profit organization offers both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment programs. They have a specific program for individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction, which includes counseling, addiction education, and relapse prevention training.

3. Turning Point: This organization provides outpatient addiction treatment services to individuals in Jersey City and surrounding areas. They offer evidence-based therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and relapse prevention programs to support individuals in their recovery from prescription drug abuse.

4. 2nd Chance Counseling Service: This treatment facility specializes in the treatment of opioid addiction, including prescription drug abuse. They offer medication-assisted treatment, individual and group therapy, and support services to help individuals achieve and maintain recovery.

In addition to these treatment programs, there are also support groups and counseling services available for individuals and families affected by prescription drug abuse in Jersey City. These include Narcotics Anonymous meetings, SMART Recovery, and Al-Anon for loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction.

The state of New Jersey also has resources and initiatives in place to address prescription drug abuse. In 2017, the New Jersey Department of Human Services launched the Opioid Overdose Recovery Program (OORP). This program provides individuals who have overdosed on opioids with access to immediate treatment services, including medication-assisted treatment. The state also has a Prescription Monitoring Program (NJPMP) to track prescriptions and prevent prescription drug abuse.

One disorder that is commonly associated with prescription drug abuse is opioid use disorder (OUD). According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019, an estimated 1.5 million people in the US had OUD related to prescription pain relievers. In New Jersey, there were 3,046 reported cases of OUD in 2019, with the highest rates reported in the northern region, which includes Jersey City.

Another concerning trend is the increase in benzodiazepine abuse in New Jersey. Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription drugs commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. According to the New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System, there was a 25% increase in benzodiazepine-related deaths from 2016 to 2017. In Jersey City, there has been a 37% increase in seizures of benzodiazepines from 2018 to 2019, indicating a growing problem with abuse of these drugs in the area.

In conclusion, prescription drug abuse has become a significant issue in Jersey City and throughout the state of New Jersey. However, there are various programs and resources in place to address this problem and support individuals in their recovery. It is crucial for individuals struggling with prescription drug abuse or their loved ones to seek help and access the available resources to overcome this addiction.