Substance Abuse Statistics in West New York, New Jersey
Local, state, and federal agencies keep track of the number of ER admissions, rehab entries, and overdose deaths that occurred in West New York recently. This gives us a better view of the issue of addiction in the city:1,3,4,5
Fentanyl has been a growing problem in the area, with 38% of suspected heroin ER admissions and 34% of heroin plasticine bags containing traces of fentanyl in 2018
Heroin and opiates accounted for 41% of rehab admissions in the West New York area in 2018
95.1 people per 100,000 residents died from a drug overdose in 2020, and 24.3 per 100,000 succumbed to an alcohol overdose
Opiate prescription rates are relatively low in the county, at 21.2 per 100 residents in 2020, which is a 6% decrease from 2019
Levels of Substance Abuse Care
Multiple levels of care are available for addiction treatment. Some New Jersey residents move through each of these levels of treatment, while others need only the least intensive care.
Alcohol and Drug Detoxification
Detox is completed under medical supervision in a hospital, inpatient, or outpatient setting. This is the process of safely and comfortably removing drugs or alcohol from your system. Once detox is complete, you can move forward with other treatment services.
Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Inpatient rehab, also called residential treatment, involves living at a treatment facility to receive 24/7 care. Services usually include individual and group therapy, medication, recreational therapy, and nutritional counseling.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
PHPs allow New Jersey residents to live at home while receiving treatment through a hospital. This program usually provides the same treatment services as inpatient care, but you can return home during non-treatment hours.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
IOPs are a step down from PHPs, allowing you to attend a few hours of counseling each week while living at home. This provides time to maintain a work schedule or fulfill other obligations.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient programs involve just one to two hours of treatment per week. This level of treatment involves the least supervision and is appropriate for highly motivated people who have a strong support system.
Aftercare
Also known as relapse prevention, aftercare starts once your rehab program is complete. It includes ongoing support such as 12-step programs, sober living homes, and therapy.
How to Pay for Drug Rehab in New York, New Jersey
New Jersey Medicare
New Jersey Medicare provides health insurance to New Jersey residents who are 65 or older or have certain other health conditions. You are automatically enrolled in this program at age 65 if you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board retirement benefits.
Many Medicare options are available in New Jersey that go beyond basic coverage, such as Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigap plans. The New Jersey State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free help with questions regarding Medicare benefits and policies. Not all treatment centers accept Medicare insurance coverage, so always do your research before choosing a provider.
New Jersey Medicaid
New Jersey’s Medicaid program provides health insurance to New Jersey residents who are aged, blind, or disabled, to pregnant women, and to parents/caretakers and dependent children. To be eligible for New Jersey Medicaid, a person must be a resident of New Jersey, be a U.S. Citizen or qualified alien, and meet specific standards for financial income. You must apply for Medicaid coverage in New Jersey, and the rehab program must accept Medicaid as a method of payment.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs assist New Jersey residents who have limited financial resources to pay for treatment. You will be charged based on what you can reasonably afford to pay. To qualify for a sliding scale rehab in New Jersey, you typically need to provide proof of income.
TRICARE in New Jersey
New Jersey TRICARE (East region) is a government program that provides health insurance coverage for U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families. TRICARE covers addiction treatment services; however, various plans differ in their coverage.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
The Indian Health Service (HIS) funds addiction treatment for Indigenous people and Alaskan Natives in New Jersey and nationwide. This coverage is provided even if other insurance payment is available.
Getting to and Around West New York, New Jersey
West New York is a bustling city, filled with expected amenities and unique experiences to discover. Here are some tips on getting to the city and what to do once you arrive:
- You won’t struggle to get to West New York, seated in the middle of a great metro area. There are three international airports nearby including LaGuardia, and the city has access to the New Jersey Transportation System.
- West New York is a cultural mecca with various art installations, museums, art galleries, and sidewalk exhibits. Some popular spots include The Museum of Modern Art, and Vessel, with its notably eccentric staircase.
- Fitness fans will appreciate the city’s 11 gyms and group exercise centers and can catch a classic baseball game at Miller’s Stadium.
- There are 15 grocery stores and markets in the city, including Acme’s and La Casa, and the city hosts an annual summer farmers market.
New Jersey Drug and Alcohol Laws
New Jersey policy makers have established the following laws related to substance misuse1,2,3,4,5
New Jersey Good Samaritan Law: New Jersey’s Overdose Prevention Act provides protection from criminal prosecution for New Jersey residents who report or seek help for suspected overdose on illegal drugs. The law encourages people to call 911 immediately, without fear of legal repercussions.
New Jersey Driving or Operating Under the Influence Laws: Under New Jersey Law, if an offender’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is between 0.08 and 0.10, the penalties are a fine of $250-$400, imprisonment for up to 30 days, driver’s license forfeiture until ignition interlock is installed (required for 3 months), a minimum of six hours a day for two days in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, and an automobile insurance surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years. Penalties increase for higher BACs and repeated offenses.
New Jersey Naloxone Blank Standing Orders: This law allows adults 21 years or older to use, purchase, and carry cannabis. Recreational users can purchase up to 1 ounce of cannabis, but the law does not permit personal growing of the plant.
New Jersey Drug Courts: This program offers non-violent drug offenders an alternative to prison. New Jersey residents convicted of a drug-related crime may be eligible to complete a supervised drug or alcohol treatment program instead of serving jail time.
Resources
- Center for Disease Control. (2022). CDC Wonder Tool.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Treatment Locator Map.
- Center for Disease Control. (2022). U.S. County Opioid Dispensing Rates, 2019.
- Center for Disease Control. (2022). U.S. County Opioid Dispensing Rates, 2020.
- New Jersey Department of Children and Families. (August 28, 2020). Hudson County Needs Assessment Report.