Heroin Addiction Treatment in New Brunswick

Heroin addiction is a serious problem in New Brunswick, New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, in 2017, there were 1,260 overdose deaths in New Jersey, with 81 of those deaths being in Middlesex County, where New Brunswick is located. Of those deaths, 70 were related to heroin. This shows that heroin use and addiction are major concerns in the state and in the local community.

Treatment programs for heroin addiction in New Brunswick, New Jersey are widely available, with various options for individuals seeking help. These programs offer a variety of treatment approaches, including medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and support groups. One of the most common forms of treatment is medication-assisted treatment, which combines medication, such as methadone or buprenorphine, with counseling and behavioral therapies. This approach has been found to be effective in reducing illicit drug use, criminal activity, and overdose deaths.

In New Brunswick, there are several programs that offer medication-assisted treatment for heroin addiction, including the Eric B. Chandler Health Center and the New Brunswick Counseling Center. These programs also offer counseling and support services for individuals in recovery.

Heroin addiction can often co-occur with other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to a report by the NJ Department of Human Services, 65% of individuals in treatment for substance use disorders in New Jersey have a co-occurring mental health disorder. This highlights the importance of integrated treatment that addresses both the addiction and any underlying mental health issues.

In New Brunswick, there are also treatment programs specifically designed for individuals with co-occurring disorders. The Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) offers a dual diagnosis program for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. The program provides individual and group therapy, medication management, and peer support services.

Another important aspect of heroin addiction treatment is increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. According to the New Brunswick Police Department, every officer is equipped with naloxone and has been able to save 48 lives using this medication since its introduction in 2017. This highlights the importance of harm reduction and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the opioid crisis.

Furthermore, the state of New Jersey has implemented a prescription monitoring program to track and prevent prescription drug abuse. This program, called New Jersey Prescription Monitoring Program (NJPMP), helps to identify potential cases of drug diversion and overprescribing of opioid medications.

In conclusion, heroin addiction is a serious problem in New Brunswick and in New Jersey as a whole. However, there are many treatment options available, including medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and support groups. It is important for individuals struggling with heroin addiction to seek help and for communities to continue implementing strategies to address the opioid crisis.