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The Battle to Control Substance Abuse in Burlington County, New Jersey

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Addiction Poses Major Issues for Burlington County

In Burlington County, New Jersey, residents are facing a substance abuse epidemic that continues to spiral out of control. As of 2018, the residential population climbed to over 430,000 people living in the area. However, in that same year 89,629 residents received treatment from substance abuse rehab centers. Unfortunately, out of the almost 90,000 that took part in rehabilitation programs, only 79,326 followed through to recovery.

Community leaders and health care platforms strive to make addiction treatment available. Still, the number of residents struggling with addiction continues to increase, as does the incidence of deadly overdose. Despite numerous efforts, there are still many more Burlington County residents that need help with substance abuse.

Unfortunately, the amount of arrests directly associated with drug abuse in the area is overwhelming. In 2017, within just a 30-day period, 208 new arrests were made. Within that same time frame, another 60% of the population faced legal issues revolving around substance addiction. Additionally, 406 Burlington County residents were on drug court, and another 461 had their driving privileges suspended for DWI. To top it all off, 744 residents were confined to probation and parole parameters as a direct result of substance abuse. An additional 430 residents were still awaiting sentencing as their cases remained pending. 

The Battle to Control Substance Abuse in Burlington County, New Jersey

Burlington County New Jersey Puts Programs in Place

Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office is making efforts to offer rehab options for those convicted of crimes related to substance abuse. The program known as “Operation Helping Hand” allows addicts the option to enter into drug rehab programs for their addiction.

Operation Helping Hand in Burlington County is available for people who have committed nonviolent crimes and are in need of drug or alcohol rehab treatment. Operation Helping Hand administers addiction treatment to the accused before being seen by a judge. After they complete addiction treatment and rehab therapy, addicts return to court to face the charges brought against them. 

This program serves the Burlington County community in two ways. First, it offers addiction treatment for those suffering with the illness. Many addicts refuse to reach out for help getting treatment. Allowing residents to use this program may encourage them to get help for substance abuse. 

Secondly, when appearing in court, offenders who have completed rehab treatment can present this to the judge. Burlington County residents’ willingness to remain sober will be considered in their sentencing. 

Substances Related to Addiction Rates In Burlington County, New Jersey

Burlington County, New Jersey faces off with more than one substance being abused and taking the lives of residents. Of the top abused substances in 2017, 44% reported heroin as their drug of choice. Heroin addiction is the number one treated addiction in Burlington County, New Jersey. 

In 2016, there were 96 overdose-related deaths in Burlington County. Of these drug-related deaths, more than 40 of them were caused by heroin overdose, according to addiction treatment centers. Additionally, fentanyl caused 23 overdose-related deaths, and oxycodone caused 22 overdose-related deaths. 

Statistics also showed that 6% of the Burlington County population suffered from cocaine addiction. However, addiction treatment studies show that along with opiates, cocaine was abused alongside an alternative addiction. Opiate addictions were uncovered in 9% of the cases of substance abuse and dependency. 

Alcohol Abuse in Burlington County

In Burlington County, New Jersey in 2017, 29% of residents suffered from alcoholism. Alcohol abuse came in second as the substance abuse of choice in the area. Approximately 1 out of every 5 residents reports having an alcohol dependency. This refers to consuming large amounts of alcohol and doing so excessively. 

The measures of excessive alcohol intake suggest that women who consume more than one alcoholic beverage per day fall in this category. Alternatively, for men, having more than two beverages containing 1.5 oz of alcohol a day is considered excessive use. 

Excessive drinking is then placed into two subgroups. The first is binge drinking, in which large amounts of alcohol are consumed over a short period of time. The second is “heavily drinking,” which refers to how often during a standard time frame alcohol consumption takes place. Alcoholics may find themselves in either of these two categories; however, detox and rehab are necessary in either circumstance. 

Multiple Addictions and Co-Occurring Illnesses

As Burlington County, New Jersey takes action to assist its residents who suffer from addiction, mental illness must be a top concern as well. Not only do many people suffer from multiple addictions to different substances, but they often have an underlying psychological illness that needs treatment. Because addiction is a disease, it’s important to look into other mental or behavioral illnesses that can contribute to it. When an underlying illness is present with an addiction, co-occurring disorders exist. 

When it comes to addiction treatment, doctors must make sure that all areas of psychological health are treated. Someone suffering from anxiety or depression may have chosen to self-medicate to gain relief from their symptoms. This is most often done by misusing opioids or other prescription drugs without a doctor’s orders or even off label. The use of substances for this purpose typically leads to dependency and soon develops into addiction. 

While undergoing rehab for addiction, patients must work through co-occurring disorders in therapy. If left untreated, addiction and mental illness will only become worse over time. Relapse becomes more likely in this case, and this can be a difficult cycle to break. 

Committing to Rehabilitation in Burlington County

Making the commitment to addiction treatment is the first step of the journey toward recovery. Once you’ve made the decision to get clean and retake control of your life, the real work begins. 

Burlington County rehab centers begin treatment by providing you a safe and comfortable space to detox. Detox is often associated with discomfort, and causes many addicts to turn away from help. Although it is not an easy process, it’s necessary to move forward on your rehabilitation journey. 

While it’s not impossible to detox without the assistance of rehabilitation specialists, doing so without supervision is extremely dangerous. In fact, between 5 and 25% of people who go through detox alone have symptoms of withdrawal that could be deadly. 

Since many addicts who abuse alcohol are also abusing other substances as well, detox can be even more dangerous. Common symptoms of withdrawal include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite or refusal to eat and hydrate
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability or aggression
  • Delusions or hallucinations
  • Seizures and convulsions

Detox can be worse for some people than for others. However, there is no way of telling whether it will be more deadly for one person than another. Of alcoholics who go through detox, 3 to 5% experience grand mal seizures that are known to be deadly without medical intervention. This is why you must utilize the professional care available at Burlington County rehab treatment centers. 

Rehabilitation and Recovery Options in Burlington County

Though detox is crucial to one’s rehabilitation journey, the programs and therapy that take place afterward are just as important. Many factors are important when choosing which program is right for you in Burlington County, New Jersey. 

For example, one of the reasons why many addicts may refuse treatment is the amount of responsibilities they have to maintain. Unable to neglect child care or professional responsibilities, they believe that rehab will only interfere with their day-to-day obligations. 

Fortunately, addiction treatment centers have specialized programs in place that work around these important needs. Intensive outpatient programs in Burlington County, New Jersey are designed to do just that. In fact, 28% of Burlington County residents participate in this type of rehabilitation. Intensive outpatient programs allow addicts to participate in therapy and individual sessions while still taking care of responsibilities. 

More Rehab Intervention Might Be Necessary

Though outpatient programs can be very effective for some, they might not be ideal for others. Sometimes, an addiction has done so much damage that continuously remaining in one’s own environment can be potentially harmful to their rehabilitation and recovery needs. When this is the case, partial hospitalization programs can surely benefit those seeking rehabilitation. 

Unfortunately, only 2% of people opt for this type of treatment, and it reflects on the number of untreated addiction illnesses in the Burlington County area. Many are ashamed to seek treatment due to the stigma and embarrassment that goes along with addiction. 

However, studies show that with 24-hour supervision, the success rate toward recovery is improved with constant support and care. This is especially true when other mental health disorders coexist with an addiction. Having trained professionals available for counseling can positively impact the unwanted temptation and potential for relapse. Rehabilitation is a journey, so it’s important to ensure that the patient’s needs are suited. 

Sober Living Homes in Burlington County, New Jersey

When it comes to finding yourself in an environment that threatens your recovery and sobriety, these factors should not be ignored. There can be things around you that inspire cravings or have addictive substances readily available. Sober living homes are the best solution to avoid this. 

Dwelling in a community environment that doesn’t have the negative influence of substance abuse benefits many addicts. Surrounding yourself with peers who have similar recovery and sobriety goals in mind contributes to your overall success. More than 70% of Burlington County addiction treatment participants find success in recovery by living within this community. Without outside influences during this vulnerable time, it’s often easier to face rehabilitation and recovery while remaining focused. 

Beginning Your Rehabilitation Journey in Burlington County, New Jersey

Regardless of what type of treatment you decide is best for you, getting treatment for addiction can save your life. Rehabilitation for substance abuse at Burlington County, New Jersey addiction treatment centers can give you the second chance you deserve. Get in touch with a team member today to get started mapping your rehabilitation and recovery journey. Seeing life through sober eyes will show you how beautiful and bright your future can be. Recovery starts now. 

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