New Jersey Drug And Alcohol Abuse Statistics 2025

Drug addiction in New Jersey is a critical issue, with 2,914 suspected drug-related deaths in 2019, according to the NJ Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. Addiction in New Jersey presents a measurable and deeply embedded public health crisis. In 2019, 85,266 individuals entered substance abuse treatment, while over 38,000 were actively receiving care on a single day in March. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that approximately 464,000 New Jersey residents aged 12 and older—6.1% of the state’s population experienced a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year.

What Are The New Jersey Addiction Statistics?

In 2022, New Jersey faced a severe public health crisis, with addiction statistics revealing 2,914 confirmed overdoses, primarily from fentanyl and heroin. The state also reported a significant incidence of alcohol abuse which resulted in the highest rate of treatment episodes. Additionally, there are notable geographical disparities in substance abuse treatment admissions, underscoring the complex and varied landscape of addiction challenges across New Jersey.

1. Alcohol Abuse Statistics

While much attention is given to illicit drugs, alcohol remains a significant concern in New Jersey with the second highest rate of admission to treatment for alcohol behind heroin. Its legal status and social acceptance often mask the profound impact it has on individuals, families, and communities:

• In 2021, alcohol accounted for a significant portion of treatment admissions in New Jersey, with 31,469 accounting for 36% of all substance use disorder admissions in New Jersey according to the New Jersey Department of Human Services Statewide Substance Abuse overview.
• In 2018, 15.2% of adults in New Jersey reported an episode of binge drinking in the past month, which is below the national average of 18.2% according to New Jersey State Health Assessment Data.
• New Jersey has a chronic heavy drinking rate of 5.1%, with a confidence interval ranging from 4.4% to 5.8% based on a substantial sample size of 6,981, reflecting a moderate level of chronic heavy drinking across the state.
• There are significant variations between counties. For instance, Sussex and Cape May have notably higher rates of chronic heavy drinking at 10.2% and 9.2%, respectively, each with relatively wide confidence intervals indicating greater uncertainty in these estimates. These counties also have among the highest margins of error and relative standard errors, suggesting that while heavy drinking is a concern, the estimates are less precise due to smaller sample sizes or greater variability among respondents.

County of Residence	Percent of Chronic Heavy Drinkers	Sample Size
Overall	5.1%	6,981
Atlantic	7.8%	200
Bergen	3.9%	589
Burlington	4.4%	310
Camden	5.6%	392
Cape May	9.2%	104
Cumberland	5.5%	103
Essex	4.8%	652
Gloucester	6.5%	192
Hudson	5.2%	740
Hunterdon	6.2%	97
Mercer	6.4%	317
Middlesex	2.9%	535
Monmouth	4.6%	402
Morris	5.2%	349
Ocean	5.3%	440
Passaic	2.6%	567
Salem	4.0%	54
Somerset	4.1%	229
Sussex	10.2%	116
Union	7.8%	495
Warren	5.5%	98

2. Opioid Abuse Statistics

In 2018, nearly 90% of drug overdoses in New Jersey involved opioids, resulting in 2,583 deaths, while opioid prescription rates were lower than the national average, and heroin and other opioids accounted for a significant portion of substance abuse treatment admissions.

• Almost 90% of drug overdoses in 2018 involved opioids, totaling 2,583 fatalities.
• New Jersey providers wrote 38.9 opioid prescriptions for every 100 persons in 2018, compared to the average U.S. rate of 51.4 prescriptions.
• There were 33,587 Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions for Heroin in 2021 accounting for 38% of all NJ rehab admissions and 6,293 for other opioids.
• 13,423 people in New Jersey used Methadone to overcome addiction to meth or heroin in 2018.
• Drug-related fatalities involving fentanyl increased from 34% to approximately 80% between 2016 and 2020 according to the Bergen County Overdose Review Team.

3. Stimulant Abuse Statistics

In New Jersey, the stimulant problem, particularly concerning methamphetamines, presents a significant public health concern, though it is less prevalent compared to other substances. According to the latest data on Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions in the State of New Jersey, methamphetamine users accounted for approximately 1,244 admissions, representing about 1% of the total cases. This contrasts with more prevalent substances like heroin and alcohol, which accounted for 38% and 36% of admissions respectively. Cocaine, another stimulant, accounted for 4,494 admissions or 5% of the total. These statistics highlight the broader scope of substance abuse issues in New Jersey, with stimulants like methamphetamines and cocaine contributing to the complex challenge of addressing addiction within the state.

According to the New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System (NJ-SAMS), there were 98,479 hospital admissions for substance abuse treatment during 2019. About 68%  of all patients were male, and 32% were female. Camden, Ocean, and Essex counties had the highest rates of admissions.

What Are The New Jersey Drug Overdose Rates And Statistics?

Essex and Camden counties reported the highest overdose deaths in New Jersey in 2022, with a statewide trend showing a general decrease in overdose deaths, though some counties experienced increases or stability in numbers according to The New Jersey Department of Human Services Statewide Substance Abuse overview.

• Essex County: This county not only has the highest total but also the highest Heroin overdoses (182) and very high Cocaine numbers (190).
• Both counties continue to report high overdose deaths, the highest in the state of NJ.
• Essex County had 450 overdose deaths in 2022 which was the most in the state.
• Camden County had 354 overdose deaths in 2022.
• Camden County: This county stands out for its high Fentanyl overdoses (285) and Cocaine numbers (149).
• Atlantic County: Shows a significant number of suspected deaths (255), which is higher than its confirmed overdose substances (171). This could indicate underreporting or delayed confirmations in the confirmed data.
• Bergen County: While not the highest, Bergen has a balanced spread of substance abuse, from Heroin (57) and Fentanyl (110) to Cocaine (36) and Benzodiazepine (41).
• Hunterdon County: This county has the least number of overdoses, indicating either a lower prevalence of drug abuse or perhaps less data reporting.
• Ocean and Monmouth Counties: These counties have high numbers of Oxycodone and Methadone overdoses compared to others, indicating a possible issue with prescription drug abuse.

County	Overdose Deaths 2022	Overdose Deaths 2023	Trend
Atlantic	255	179	Decrease
Bergen	186	130	Decrease
Burlington	151	128	Decrease
Camden	354	326	Decrease
Cape May	44	33	Decrease
Cumberland	76	76	Stable
Essex	450	447	Decrease
Gloucester	86	82	Decrease
Hudson	167	186	Increase
Hunterdon	18	11	Decrease
Mercer	108	108	Stable
Middlesex	209	145	Decrease
Monmouth	151	135	Decrease
Morris	64	69	Increase
Ocean	186	168	Decrease
Passaic	143	134	Decrease
Salem	22	28	Increase
Somerset	50	31	Decrease
Sussex	28	23	Decrease
Union	114	95	Decrease
Warren	30	27	Decrease
Total	2892	2561	Decrease

What Are The New Jersey Overdose Deaths By Drug Type?

New Jersey State and County Medical Examiners certified 2,914 deaths as being drug and/or alcohol related in 2019. The breakdown of specific drugs involved in overdoses are listed below:

How Many Drug Rehab Center Admissions Are There In New Jersey?

The total drug and alcohol treatment admissions in New Jersey across all counties amount to 82,977 cases according to the Substance Abuse 2021 Overview Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services Office of Planning.

1. Primary Drugs: The most common primary drugs leading to rehab admissions are Heroin (32,779 cases), followed by Alcohol (28,607 cases). Other significant categories include Marijuana/Hashish (6,575 cases), Other Opiates (5,844 cases), Cocaine/Crack (4,320 cases), Unknown & Other Drugs (3,729 cases), and Methamphetamines (1,123 cases).
   • Alcohol: Leading the list, alcohol accounted for 31,469 (or 36%) of the total admissions, highlighting its pervasive presence in the lives of many New Jersey residents.
   • Heroin: A close second, heroin-related admissions stood at 33,587 (or 38%), reflecting the opioid crisis’s grip on the state.
   • Marijuana, Cocaine, and Others: Other substances, including marijuana (6,569 or 7%), cocaine (4,494 or 5%), and methamphetamines (1,244 or 1%), also contributed significantly to the overall admissions.
2. County-wide Breakdown:
   • Atlantic County reported 7,434 admissions, with Heroin being the predominant drug (3,597 cases).
   • Bergen County had a total of 3,400 admissions, with the majority being for Alcohol (1,437 cases).
   • Camden County showed a high number of admissions at 7,586, with a significant number for Heroin (3,005 cases).
   • Essex County reported the highest admissions among all counties with 8,593 cases, primarily for Heroin (3,717 cases) and Alcohol (2,412 cases).
   • Ocean County also had a high count with 6,915 admissions, with a notable number for Heroin (2,976 cases).
3. Trends Across Counties: Heroin and Alcohol are the two most common substances leading to rehab admissions across most counties. However, the proportion varies, with some counties like Bergen and Morris having a higher proportion of alcohol-related admissions, while counties like Atlantic, Camden, and Ocean see a higher prevalence of heroin-related cases.
4. Less Common Substances: Methamphetamines, while less common overall, show notable admissions in counties like Atlantic and Cape May. The category of Unknown & Other Drugs also contributes to a significant number of admissions, particularly in Essex and Hudson counties.
5. Counties with Lower Admissions: Hunterdon, Salem, Sussex, and Warren counties report lower numbers of rehab admissions compared to others, with the primary substances varying between Alcohol, Heroin, and Other Opiates.
6. Demographics of Those Seeking Treatment: Substance abuse does not discriminate. In 2021, males accounted for 60% of the admissions, while females represented 31%. The age groups most affected were those between 25-44 years, emphasizing the impact on New Jersey’s younger population.
7. Referral Sources: The journey to recovery often begins with a helping hand. Over half (53%) of those admitted for treatment in 2021 were self-referred, showcasing the resilience and determination of many to seek help. Other significant referral sources included corrections-related programs (18%) and addiction services programs (10%).

County of Residence	Primary Drug Total	Alcohol	Cocaine/Crack	Heroin	Other Opiates	Marijuana/Hashish	Methamphetamines	Unknown & Other Drugs
Atlantic	7434	2076	324	3597	505	472	134	326
Bergen	3400	1437	190	1069	236	322	29	117
Burlington	4069	1360	188	1580	406	267	106	162
Camden	7586	2384	403	3005	732	544	105	413
Cape May	2269	779	112	809	160	148	129	132
Cumberland	2550	871	151	985	217	180	61	85
Essex	8593	2412	464	3717	541	1021	39	399
Gloucester	4199	1246	239	1833	435	155	118	173
Hudson	4378	1257	237	1691	200	649	40	304
Hunterdon	672	253	21	270	40	37	24	27
Mercer	3771	1281	304	1364	327	336	21	138
Middlesex	5803	2309	297	2069	392	479	39	218
Monmouth	5949	2515	299	2198	354	286	36	261
Morris	2501	1152	138	822	141	124	27	97
Ocean	6915	2552	306	2976	420	260	79	322
Passaic	4498	1388	304	1799	229	542	16	220
Salem	931	284	43	373	92	66	18	55
Somerset	1566	738	63	449	104	137	18	57
Sussex	1177	504	42	467	61	69	5	29
Union	3608	1381	153	1301	179	423	20	151
Warren	1108	428	42	405	73	58	59	43
Total	82977	28607	4320	32779	5844	6575	1123	3729

The numbers paint a vivid picture, but they also underscore the resilience of New Jersey’s communities. Behind each statistic is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome, the dedication of healthcare professionals, and the unwavering support of families and loved ones.

1. Highest Admissions: Essex County has the highest overall admissions with 10% of the total, primarily driven by heroin and other opiates.
2. Lowest Admissions: Hunterdon County has the lowest overall admissions, making up just 1% of the total.
3. Heroin Prevalence: Heroin is a significant issue in many counties, especially in Essex, Atlantic, and Camden.
4. Alcohol Admissions: Ocean and Monmouth counties have higher admissions due to alcohol, making up 9% of the total alcohol-related admissions.
5. Other Opiates: Camden County has a notably high percentage (13%) of admissions due to other opiates.
6. Methamphetamines: Atlantic County has the highest percentage of admissions due to methamphetamines at 12%.
7. Unknown & Other Drugs: Essex and Camden counties have higher percentages (11%) of admissions due to unknown and other drugs.
8. Variability: Different counties have different primary drugs leading to admissions, indicating that substance abuse issues are not uniform across the state.

What Are The Major Drug Threats in New Jersey?

Major drug threats in New Jersey include heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, alcohol, methamphetamine, and prescription opioids—with heroin and cocaine use exceeding national sentencing averages and fentanyl driving a sharp rise in overdose fatalities.

• According to NJSAMS and the National Drug Intelligence Center, “40% of treatment admissions are for alcohol use, but over 77% of federal drug sentences involve heroin or cocaine,” and “heroin accounts for 38% of all federal cases in NJ—five times the national rate.”
• New Jersey’s heroin and cocaine problem has been elevated since the late 1990s, with a fentanyl surge intensifying after 2015, correlating with synthetic opioid infiltration into street drugs.
• Heroin And Cocaine Use Above The national Average: The number of federal drug offenders sentenced in New Jersey is consistent with the national average; however, the percentage of heroin- and cocaine-related sentences is much higher in New Jersey than nationwide. Drug offenses composed over 35 percent of all federal sentencing cases in the state in 1999, compared with the national sentencing average of 41 percent. (National Drug Intelligence Center)
• Over 77 percent of all drug sentences in the state were cocaine- or heroin-related, a 20 percent higher ratio than the national average. More significantly, heroin sentences represent 38 percent of all federal sentencing cases, compared with 8 percent nationally. (National Drug Intelligence Center)

Primary threat categories include: Alcohol Dependence (40% of treatment), Heroin & Fentanyl Overdose Risk, Cocaine/Crack Gang Distribution, Prescription Opioid Misuse, Methamphetamine Activity (in central/southern counties), and Marijuana Legalization Policy Debates.

What Are The Alcohol Abuse Statistics in New Jersey?

While much attention is given to illicit drugs, alcohol remains a significant concern in New Jersey. Its legal status and social acceptance often mask the profound impact it has on individuals, families, and communities:

• Prevalence: In 2021, alcohol accounted for a significant portion of treatment admissions in New Jersey, with 31,469 individuals seeking help. This figure underscores the pervasive nature of alcohol misuse in the state.
• Health Implications: Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to a host of health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and cognitive impairments. Additionally, alcohol plays a role in many accidents, from traffic collisions to workplace injuries.
• Social and Economic Impact: Beyond the individual, alcohol abuse affects families and communities. Domestic violence, child neglect, and financial hardships are often linked to excessive alcohol consumption. The economic toll, from lost productivity to healthcare costs, further emphasizes the need for intervention.
• Youth and Alcohol: Underage drinking remains a concern in New Jersey. Early exposure to alcohol can lead to addiction in later life and has been associated with poor academic performance, risky behaviors, and mental health challenges.
• State Initiatives: Recognizing the challenges posed by alcohol abuse, New Jersey has implemented various initiatives to curb its impact. From awareness campaigns targeting youth to stricter regulations on sales and consumption, the state is actively working to reduce the harm caused by excessive alcohol use.

Alcohol abuse in New Jersey led to over 31,000 treatment admissions in 2021, contributes to chronic health conditions and social harm, and is countered by state-led education and regulation initiatives.
This pattern, shaped by legal access and cultural normalization, highlights what officials call “a silent epidemic” affecting individuals, families, and the economy.

What Impacts Do New Jersey’s Population and Geography Have on Substance Use Disorder Rates and Drug Distribution?

The impact of New Jersey’s population and demographics on substance use disorder (SUD) rates is shaped by its high population density, diverse urban centers, transit infrastructure, and economic disparities—creating both vulnerabilities and opportunities for intervention.
According to the National Drug Intelligence Center and NJ Department of Human Services, “New Jersey’s strategic location and dense population make it a leading drug transshipment point and one of the states with the highest urban overdose concentrations,” especially in cities like Newark, Camden, and Paterson.

This reality underscores the need for hyper-local responses, culturally responsive care, and robust public health infrastructure in both urban and economically strained areas.
A closely tied concept is geodemographic risk mapping, which combines geographic, demographic, and economic data to predict substance use patterns and prioritize resources accordingly.

These strategies are employed by epidemiologists, public health planners, and municipal health officials—referred to as community health risk analysts—to develop targeted prevention and recovery models.

New Jersey has demographic-driven substance abuse risk shaped by regional port access and urban development patterns since the late 1990s, but evolved significantly post-2010 with increased surveillance and treatment access initiatives.

What Efforts Are Being Taken to Combat Drug and Alcohol Abuse in New Jersey?

New Jersey’s efforts to combat drug and alcohol abuse prioritize prevention, treatment, recovery, and enforcement through coordinated efforts by the Department of Health, treatment facilities, law enforcement, legislators, and local communities.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, New Jersey saw a 10% decrease in opioid overdose deaths between 2022 and 2024, attributed to expanded access to naloxone, MAT, and public awareness campaigns—“a sign of progress amid the national opioid crisis.”
This integrated approach enables tailored community solutions, equitable access to treatment, and a scalable public health response.

A complementary concept is public health–criminal justice collaboration, blending rehabilitation with enforcement to address both substance misuse and community safety.
These strategies are carried out by health officials, addiction counselors, policy makers, and law enforcement—referred to collectively as substance use response stakeholders.
The modern phase of New Jersey’s anti-abuse initiatives began around 2017, coinciding with the declaration of an opioid crisis emergency and the launch of Opioid Response Teams and Good Samaritan law expansions.

What Are The Bergen County NJ Addiction Rates?

• Increasing Fatalities Due To Fentanyl: Drug-related fatalities involving fentanyl increased from 34% to approximately 80% between 2016 and 2020. (Bergen County Overdose Review Team)
• Decrease in pure heroin: During the same time period, the suspected heroin samples
  containing only heroin decreased from 90% to 7%. (Bergen County Overdose Review Team)
• Heroin containing fentanyl: From 2016 to 2020, the number of suspected heroin samples
  submitted for lab testing that contained fentanyl increased from 8% to 91%. (Bergen County Overdose Review Team)
• More than 50% of both treatment admissions and law enforcement suspected overdose incidents involved individuals between the ages of 25 and 44. (Bergen County Overdose Review Team)
• Sports-Related Injuries: In 2 of the 7 cases, reviewed by the OFRT were of individuals suffered a youth sports-related injury and were prescribed opioids. (Bergen County Overdose Review Team)
• Age Group: More than 50% of both treatment admissions and law enforcement suspected overdose incidents involved individuals between the ages of 25 and 44. (Bergen County Overdose Review Team)
• Benzodiazepines Are A High Contributor To Overdose: Benzodiazepines were listed as contributing to the cause of death in nearly a quarter (24%) of Bergen County drug-related deaths. (Bergen County Overdose Review Team)

Year	Overdoses	LE Narcan Deployments	LE Narcan Saves	Drug Related Fatalities
2022*	690	376	257	125
2021*	730	368	255	176
2020*	664	325	233	147
2019	657	388	274	138
2018	583	352	255	142
2017	504	325	245	129
2016	320	208	180	99
2015	288	187	170	87

These trends underscore the need for comprehensive addiction treatment in Bergen County, NJ, including inpatient and outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and support groups, to effectively address this escalating crisis and support recovery.

What factors contribute to the high rates of drug addiction in New Jersey?

The high rates of drug addiction in New Jersey are influenced by a variety of factors, including socioeconomic issues, the availability of drugs through major transportation hubs, and a growing opioid epidemic that mirrors national trends.

How has New Jersey’s overdose rate changed in recent years?

In recent years, New Jersey has seen a fluctuation in overdose rates, largely due to the opioid crisis. Efforts to combat this issue, including the availability of naloxone and addiction treatment programs, have impacted these statistics.

What are New Jersey’s drug policies and how do they address addiction?

New Jersey’s drug policies focus on a combination of law enforcement and harm reduction strategies. These include measures like drug courts, which offer treatment options for offenders, and policies aimed at reducing the availability of prescription opioids.

How do harm reduction strategies in New Jersey combat drug addiction?

Harm reduction strategies in New Jersey, such as needle exchange programs and the distribution of naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, aim to minimize the health and societal impacts of drug use by providing safer alternatives and access to treatment.

What is the legal status of marijuana in New Jersey?

Marijuana was legalized for adult recreational use in New Jersey following a 2020 referendum and the Biden administration recently changed the marijuana laws. The state has established regulations for the sale and possession of marijuana, reflecting a significant shift in drug policy.

How accessible are AA meetings for residents struggling with addiction in New Jersey?

AA meetings are widely accessible throughout New Jersey, offering numerous options for individuals seeking support for alcohol addiction. These meetings provide a community-based approach to recovery across various locations in the state.

What impact have New Jersey’s drug policies had on addiction statistics?

The impact of New Jersey’s drug policies on addiction statistics is multifaceted, showing promising results in areas like overdose prevention. However, the state continues to adapt its strategies to address the evolving nature of drug abuse and addiction.

Can residents of New Jersey access treatment for addiction without insurance?

Yes, New Jersey provides options for residents to access addiction treatment without insurance, including state-funded programs and free rehab programs in New Jersey and facilities that offer services based on a sliding scale or for free to those who qualify.

How does New Jersey’s approach to drug addiction compare to other states?

New Jersey’s approach to drug addiction compared to surrounding states demonstrates a relatively balanced and progressive model—offering robust access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), funding harm reduction centers, and emphasizing recovery infrastructure—while nearby states like New York and Pennsylvania adopt slightly different strategies shaped by political climate, funding models, and urban-rural demographics.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2024 report, “New Jersey offers one of the most accessible MAT systems in the Mid-Atlantic region, while New York leads in overdose prevention programs and Pennsylvania lags in statewide syringe access policies.”

This comparison highlights how regional policies impact outcomes—New York’s dense urban zones allow widespread naloxone training and Overdose Prevention Centers, whereas Pennsylvania’s rural opioid burden challenges the uniformity of service delivery.

A key complementary concept is federalism in drug policy, which allows states to implement varied responses even under national guidelines like the CDC’s opioid prescribing standards.
Policy makers, addiction treatment providers, and state health departments—often referred to as regional behavioral health authorities—leverage these differences to create tailored interventions and pilot cross-border initiatives.

New Jersey’s policy transformation began around 2017, but New York expanded its harm reduction model post-2015 with the introduction of supervised injection sites in NYC, while Pennsylvania’s key reforms accelerated post-2020 following a surge in fentanyl-related deaths.

Each state’s response includes specific sub-parts:

Pennsylvania: recovery housing, emergency response teams, prescription drug monitoring

New Jersey: MAT, drug courts, harm reduction centers

New York: supervised injection sites, naloxone distribution, Medicaid expansion