Updated on 2/7/2023

For decades, the United States has been facing a crisis concerning opioids, which stems from prescription misuse to illegal opioids taking control of people’s lives and causing an epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is rapidly coming out with new data each year and ways to combat this national crisis. Take a look at how the opioid problem has impacted New Jersey and measures that are being taken to help those who have been hurt by it.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that include legal pain relievers by prescription and illegal drugs. Opioids are often prescribed by doctors to help with pain and can be helpful if used correctly. Misusing opioids can lead to dependence and addiction.

How the Opioid Epidemic Started

Before opioids were known to be highly addictive in the late ‘90s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the healthcare community that these drugs were not addictive. As a result, providers began prescribing them more commonly, leading to numerous cases where the drugs were misused, and the patients often became addicted. This has continued into the present day, with thousands dead and even more struggling with opioid addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 47,000 Americans died from opioid overdose in 2017. 

What the Numbers Say

Because the opioid epidemic is ever-evolving and more individuals are struggling daily, new data comes out yearly to inform the public of the dangers of opioid misuse. Knowing the statistics can help the general public understand just how dangerous opioids can be if not used properly and deter individuals from misusing them. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has published the following statistics for New Jersey:

  • In 2018, 2,583 overdose deaths in New Jersey involved opioids.
  • That same year, 38.9 opioid prescriptions were written for every 100 persons.

NJ CARES, an initiative put forth by the Department of Law and Public Safety for the state of New Jersey, has a real-time dashboard showing the most recent data related to the opioid epidemic. From January 1 to November 30, 2020, the following has been stated:

  • 2,791 opioid-related overdose deaths
  • 13,501 Naloxone administrations
  • 3,026,599 opioid prescriptions written

The CDC has posted the following national statistics:

  • From 2017 to 2018, overdose death rates decreased by 4%
  • In 2018, the overdose deaths were still four times higher than in 1999
  • Of the 67,367 deaths in 2018, nearly 70% involved opioids
  • Between 2017-2018:
    • Opioid-involved deaths decreased by 2%
    • Prescription opioid-involved deaths decreased by 13.5%
    • Synthetic opioid-involved- deaths increased by 10%
    • Heroin-involved death rates decreased by 4%

New Jersey and the Fentanyl Crisis

Fentanyl is a high potency opioid causing overdose and death in the United States. This highly addictive, synthetic opioid is 50 to 300 times more potent than morphine, making 2 milligrams of fentanyl a deadly dosage. While it was originally invented to treat severe cancer pain, its illegal use is growing swiftly and leading to rapid respiratory depression and damage of the internal organs, often resulting in death. Statistics indicate that fentanyl is currently the greatest drug threat in this country. Rates of overdose deaths involving fentanyl have increased drastically over the last few years:

Fentanyl addiction and overdose is greatly impacting those in the New Jersey area. In 2012, fentanyl was found in just 42 of the 1,223 drug overdose deaths in New Jersey. In 2019, fentanyl was found in the bodies of 2,248 people, equaling 75% of drug deaths in the state.

Measures Taken to Combat the Opioid Epidemic

Although recent numbers show a decrease in death rates, the opioid epidemic remains a national crisis. With so many lives at stake, the CDC and the New Jersey government have taken swift actions each year to combat the ongoing epidemic on a state and national level. 

Help for Those Struggling

If you or someone you know is struggling with an opioid use disorder or addiction, do not hesitate to reach out for help before it is too late. Many believe that opiates are safe because doctors prescribe them, but this is not always the case. They are still highly addictive and cannot be underestimated in terms of their effects on your life. 

The opioid epidemic has been a ongoing crisis in the United States and New Jersey since the late 1990s. With millions suffering, it is vital to bring more awareness to this issue and educate the general public on opioid misuse and addiction. The statistics speak for themselves, showing numerous individuals dying every year from an  overdose. The Government of New Jersey and the CDC have taken specific measures to combat the crisis across multiple levels and angles to ensure citizens’ safety and health. For those struggling with opioid addiction, help is available and accessible. Facilities like the Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford in New Jersey have vast experience in treating opioid addictions, and they can help you too. Contact the facility today at (877) 557-5372 to learn more and start your journey to healing. Opioid addiction can be challenging to overcome, but with Pinelands, it is possible to heal naturally among the pines.