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4.3 (13,000) New Jersey Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics
The number of admissions in New Jersey substance misuse treatment programs has increased to almost 100,000 admissions in 2019.2 Heroin and alcohol were responsible for most inpatient admissions. Other primary drugs leading to admissions included cocaine, other opiates, and marijuana.
More than 60% of individuals seeking treatment in New Jersey in 2019 entered outpatient programs, including opioid maintenance treatment programs; 12% entered short-term residential programs, another 12% entered residential detox programs, and 6% entered long-term residential programs. Other treatment programs used included partial hospitalization, halfway houses, and medication-assisted treatment programs.2
The highest admission rates occurred in Camden, Ocean, and Essex counties, with more than 8,000 admissions each.2
Drug-related deaths in New Jersey have also been steadily increasing, particularly overdose deaths related to opioid use. In 2018, 2,900 drug overdose deaths were reported in New Jersey, nearly 90% of them involving opioids.3
Cost of Rehab in New Jersey
The cost of a rehab program in New Jersey can vary widely, depending on the type of program chosen.
One of the main factors that affect the cost of treatment is the level of care provided. For example, medical detox programs or medication-assisted programs can be more expensive due to the cost of medication and the supervision provided by medical professionals.
Inpatient treatment is typically more expensive than outpatient treatment, as it includes lodging and meals for the duration of treatment. Inpatient programs may also offer additional amenities, which can increase the cost of treatment. Inpatient treatment may range from $2,000 to $25,000 for a 30-day stay.
The relatively lower cost of outpatient care may account for the popularity of these less-intensive but still proven programs. Because patients continue to live at home during outpatient treatment, meals and lodging are not included. Some outpatient programs, such as state-funded programs, are free or low-cost, while others may cost up to $10,000, depending on the length of treatment and the specific services provided.
Low-Cost and Free Rehabs in New Jersey
One of the best ways to reduce the cost of a rehab program in New Jersey is to use your health insurance benefits. Many insurance plans will cover some or all of the expenses associated with treatment. Even if your insurance does not cover the cost of an addiction treatment program, it may pay for the therapy or other services that you receive while in treatment. In addition, many treatment centers are happy to work with patients to help them get the most out of their insurance benefits.
If you do not have medical insurance, you still have options. Some state-funded programs and other rehab programs in New Jersey provide free addiction treatment or sliding-scale payment plans for those who qualify. The state of New Jersey allocates funds to treatment centers, allowing people to seek help even if they lack the resources to cover the cost of treatment.
Acceptance in a state-funded program depends on specific criteria. For example, you may need to show proof of income and a demonstrated commitment to completing treatment and taking the initiative in your recovery.
For more information about state-funded rehab services in New Jersey, view SAMHSA’s directory of Single State Agencies (SSA) for Substance Abuse Services. For help finding treatment, you may also call our helpline at (800) 662-HELP (4357) to speak to a knowledgeable treatment support specialist who can assist you.
How Do I Pay for Addiction Treatment in New Jersey?
If you do not have insurance and cannot find a free treatment program, you may be able to take advantage of other options that can help make treatment more affordable. Don’t let the cost of treatment stand in the way of receiving the care you need.
The cost of drug or alcohol misuse can add up to much more than a treatment program in the long run. Long-term drug and alcohol use is associated with lost productivity, increased work absenteeism, and a greater risk of unemployment. Individuals with a history of heavy drinking or substance use also often have higher health care costs and may incur additional charges associated with legal problems.
If you are worried about the financial burden of a New Jersey rehab, there are many ways you can pay for treatment.
Choose a Program That Offers Payment Plans
Many treatment centers will work with patients who need assistance by offering monthly payment plans. As long as your account is in good standing, you can remain in treatment and continue paying off the balance once you have finished the program. Don’t hesitate to ask treatment centers about their payment options, as they may offer financial assistance that is not advertised.
Apply for a Rehab Scholarship
Rehab scholarships are available through facilities and organizations that are willing to cover all or part of the cost of treatment for those who need assistance. These scholarships aren’t always easy to find, but individuals with ties in the rehab community may know where you can apply. Ask your addiction specialist, physician, or staff at rehab centers near you for suggestions. Local churches, community organizations, and social services may also know available scholarships.
Find a Sliding Scale Rehab Program
Many rehab programs will offer sliding scales to those in need of financial assistance. With a sliding scale, the cost of your treatment will depend on your household income. To qualify, you may need to show proof of income.
Ask About Employee Assistance Programs
If you are employed, you may consider asking your human resources department if your company offers Employee Assistance Programs. These programs are designed to help employees who are experiencing challenges in their personal lives and may be able to help cover the cost of a drug or alcohol rehab program.
Popular Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in New Jersey
If you are looking for drug and alcohol rehab centers in New Jersey for you or a loved one, consider some popular options.
SOBA New Jersey
SOBA New Jersey is a New Brunswick rehab facility dedicated to individualized care. In addition to treatments such as medical detox, dual diagnosis treatment, and Orthodox Jewish substance misuse treatment, the facility offers amenities such as a sauna, jacuzzi, world-class chefs, personal trainers, and wellness coaches. SOBA works with many insurance companies to help make recovery affordable.
Turning Point
Ranked in New Jersey’s top seven treatment centers by Newsweek magazine, Turning Point offers a broad range of services, including short- and long-term residential treatment, as well as outpatient care for drug and alcohol addiction. Turning Point, which is located in Paterson, offers financing options and welcomes walk-ins based on availability. The facility specializes in treating addiction to alcohol, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, benzodiazepines, and other opiates.
Pinelands Recovery Center
Situated on 40 lush acres, Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford offers a comfortable and relaxing environment meant to evoke a unique, lodge-like feel in Medford, NJ. Patients are encouraged to engage in physical activity during their stay, and the grounds include basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, as well as a yoga studio. Treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, experiential therapy, and group psychodrama.
The Discovery Institute
One of the original New Jersey drug rehabs, Discovery Institute was named one of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2021 by Newsweek. Discovery Institute, located in Marlboro, offers treatment programs that address patients’ medical, mental, and spiritual health. Services include individual therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, holistic treatment, relapse prevention, treatment for first responders, and vocational services.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab in New Jersey
One of the biggest decisions you will need to make when considering entering a drug treatment program is whether to enroll in inpatient or outpatient care. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The best program for you will depend upon factors such as whether you have a stable home life, whether you need to continue attending a job during treatment, and what type of environment best suits you. If you are unsure which level of care is best for you, an addiction specialist can help you evaluate your needs and options.
Whichever option you choose, make every effort to complete your recommended course of treatment, including any aftercare programs. Research indicates that most people with substance use disorder need at least three months in treatment, and people who stay in treatment longer have better outcomes.1
Benefits of Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Inpatient treatment, also often referred to as residential treatment, allows patients to focus on recovery in a safe environment. Residential treatment is best for people who lack a stable home life or do best in a highly structured environment.
In addition to therapeutic services such as one-on-one counseling and group therapy, residential programs typically offer additional services designed to meet any additional needs. These may include medical treatment, psychological treatment, and career counseling, as well as programs focusing on exercise, nutrition, interpersonal communication skills, and other life skills that will benefit patients upon their return to daily life.
Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Many drug rehab patients do well in outpatient programs, which are designed to work with patients’ busy schedules. Many outpatient programs offer weekend or evening sessions, so that patients can maintain employment during treatment. Patients continue to live at home, which makes outpatient care much more affordable.
Outpatient rehab in New Jersey is often recommended for those who have a strong support system at home and who have previously completed an inpatient program. Outpatient care is not for everyone, as patients have more freedom and may continue to be exposed to drug or alcohol use. If you are considering outpatient treatment, be honest with yourself about your ability to avoid or resist potential triggers.
Types of Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in New Jersey
Another consideration when evaluating New Jersey alcohol rehabs and drug rehabs are what type of program to enter. Some rehab programs will describe themselves using terms like holistic, faith-based, or luxury. You can expect these programs to offer the same general therapeutic approaches but with a slightly different focus on certain elements.
The following are some types of rehab programs you can expect to find in New Jersey.
Holistic Rehab
Holistic rehab programs are designed to meet all of the needs of the patient: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. You can expect holistic treatment centers to place a greater emphasis on physical activity, nutrition, and self-care. Additional amenities offered may include yoga and meditation classes, time spent in nature, and creative pursuits.
Christian and Faith-Based Rehab
Facilities that describe themselves as faith-based are most often built on Christian themes and traditions. Individuals with a strong religious preference may find it helpful to attend programs that incorporate their religious beliefs. These programs may be led by clergy members, who provide a source of guidance and encouragement for patients.
Luxury Rehab
Luxury rehab centers are designed to provide a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere that may feel more like a spa or resort. These facilities may offer upscale private accommodations, as opposed to shared rooms found in many other rehab facilities. Additional amenities may include massage and other spa-like services, gourmet meals, and a smaller staff-to-patient ratio to ensure comfort and privacy.
Executive Rehab
Executive drug rehab programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Executive rehab facilities typically offer a high degree of privacy, as well as amenities such as private conference rooms and secure WiFi, so that patients can continue to fulfill their professional duties during treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Rehab
Many people with substance use disorder also experience some sort of mental health issue, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 17 million adults in the United States experienced both substance use disorder and mental illness in 2020.4
The presence of both substance use disorder and mental illness is referred to as dual diagnosis. Treatment that addresses both issues has been shown to lead to better outcomes, including improvement in psychiatric functioning, improved quality of life, fewer hospital stays, more stable home life, and fewer arrests.5
Many rehab facilities now offer dual diagnosis treatment, which includes the use of certain therapeutic approaches that have been shown to help with conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. If you have been diagnosed with these or other mental health issues, be sure to choose a rehab program that offers treatment for your condition.
Depression and Addiction
Research has shown that adults with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence were 3.7 times more likely to experience major depression than adults without alcohol dependence.6
Treating co-occurring substance misuse disorder and depression can be difficult. Antidepressant medications can reduce depressive symptoms but have not been found to reduce excessive drinking. Treatment may include a combination of antidepressants, medication to treat alcohol dependence, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and other therapeutic approaches as needed.
Anxiety and Addiction
Individuals who have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders are roughly twice as likely to also have a drug use disorder, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.7
Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is commonly used in rehab settings, is also one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatment for both substance use and anxiety may include a combination of medication and other therapeutic approaches, including EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).
PTSD and Addiction
Post-traumatic stress disorder is extremely common among patients in addiction treatment facilities. Research indicates that individuals with PTSD are three times more likely to have a substance use disorder.8 PTSD can be the result of any intense or long-lasting trauma, including sexual violence, physical assault, an accident, or combat exposure. Research indicates that PTSD affects up to 18% of combat veterans.9
As with anxiety and depression, a combination of antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other therapeutic approaches can help individuals with both PTSD and substance use disorder.
Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
Research shows that between 40% and 70% of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder also experience substance use disorder.10 Substance use can lead to more negative effects associated with bipolar disorder, including more severe symptoms and more suicide attempts.
Some medications used to treat bipolar disorder may also help reduce dependence on substances.10 Therapeutic approaches for the treatment of co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorders may also include CBT, motivational interviewing, and integrated group therapy.
Personality Disorders and Addiction
Personality disorders—which include conditions like paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizoid personality disorder—affect up to 90% of individuals treated for substance use disorder.11
An integrated treatment approach is necessary to treat anyone experiencing both personality disorders and addiction. Treatment may incorporate individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, and additional approaches as needed.
Types of Addiction Therapy Used in Rehab
When considering your options for drug or alcohol rehab programs, you will likely notice that different programs offer a variety of therapeutic approaches. Some types of therapy are considered standard components of addiction treatment, while others may be ancillary services that support the primary method of treatment or address specific patient needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely used in addiction treatment settings. CBT teaches patients to identify patterns in their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and to recognize how these things impact their recovery. It helps patients understand that feelings and behaviors often arise from past experiences and are not always rational.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a subset of CBT designed to help people build confidence and coping skills. DBT incorporates skills such as mindfulness and emotional regulation to help people change their behavior.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is used to help people learn how to change their thoughts and behaviors by improving their internal motivation to change.
Techniques used in MET include learning how to develop and express empathy, acknowledging the gap between thoughts and reality, accepting resistance to addiction treatment, and supporting a patient’s self-efficacy.
Contingency Management
Contingency management uses positive reinforcement or rewards to encourage positive habits. For example, patients may receive a cash prize or a voucher upon completing a negative drug test. Contingency management can be used to increase compliance with other treatment approaches, such as individual counseling or medication use.
Group Therapy
Drug and alcohol rehab programs will typically include some form of group therapy. In many cases, group therapy can be even more effective than individual therapy. Group therapy shows patients they are not alone, helps them feel connected, improves communication skills, and provides patients with a broader range of feedback.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is also a central component of many rehab programs. Family members included in therapy may include parents, children, spouses, siblings, or anyone with a close emotional bond. Research shows that for people with substance use disorder, family therapy can help them remain in treatment longer, reduce the risk of relapse, and promote long-term recovery.12
Should I Travel to New Jersey for Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Depending on the resources available where you live, traveling to New Jersey for drug or alcohol rehab may provide you with good options for recovery. Newsweek rated seven facilities in New Jersey among its Best Addiction Treatment Centers for 2021 based on the quality of care, quality of service, quality of follow-up care, accommodations, and amenities.12
Regional Considerations in New Jersey
Many of New Jersey’s rehab facilities are near the neighboring cities of New York and Philadelphia. Rehab programs in New Jersey may be more affordable than programs in these large cities while still providing access to quality treatment.
North Jersey is closer to New York while south Jersey neighbors Philadelphia, which may be important for you to consider when choosing a region of New Jersey to attend rehab. Additionally, some addiction treatment programs may be located near the Jersey Shore or on lakes, such as in Medford.
Alcohol and Drug Laws in New Jersey
New Jersey offers drug courts to non-violent offenders as an alternative to prison. Individuals convicted of a crime motivated by drugs may be eligible to enter a supervised drug or alcohol treatment program. Participants may enter detox treatment, outpatient care, or a residential program as determined by their individual needs.
Completion of the treatment program is required to graduate; otherwise, an individual will be sentenced to prison. If you are convicted of a drug-related crime in New Jersey, your attorney will be able to let you know if you are eligible for court-mandated treatment.
No single approach to drug or alcohol treatment is best for everyone. If you’re searching for drug or alcohol rehab in New Jersey or elsewhere, contact our addiction treatment specialist at (800) 662-HELP (4357) today. Our trained professionals can help you find the care you need.
Resources
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Principles of Effective Treatment.
- Department of Human Services. (2019). Substance Abuse Overview 2019.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). New Jersey: Opioid-Involved Deaths and Related Harms.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). The Case for Screening and Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders.
- Pettinati, H.M., & Dundon, W.D. (2011). Comorbid depression and alcohol dependence. Psychiatric Times, 28(6).
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2008). Comorbidity: Addiction and Other Mental Illnesses.
- Gielen, N., Havermans, R. C., Tekelenburg, M., & Jansen, A. (2012). Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among patients with substance use disorder: it is higher than clinicians think it is. European journal of psychotraumatology, 3, 10.3402/ejpt, v3i0, 17734.
- Lawson, Nicole R. (2014). Posttraumatic stress disorder in combat veterans. Journal of the American Academy of PAs, 27(5).
- Ostacher, Michael J & Sachs, Gary S. (2006). Update on bipolar disorder and substance abuse: recent findings and treatment strategies. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 67(9).
- Goretti, S. (2017). The relationship between personality disorders and substance abuse disorders. European Psychiatry, 41(S473-S474).
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2013.) Family Therapy Can Help. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Newsweek. (2021). America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers.