Alcohol addiction treatment options in New Jersey are critical as alcohol abuse costs the state over nine billion dollars a year in healthcare costs and lost productivity. Even more devastating are the lives it destroys. In this article, we’ll explore the risks of alcohol abuse and options for getting better.
What Is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction is a tragic condition in which a person finds himself physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol. When trying to stop drinking, they feel cravings and withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be very unpleasant or even life-threatening. This causes them to continue drinking despite the mounting physical, psychological, financial, social, and legal problems it can cause.
Is Alcohol Abuse a Problem in New Jersey?
Yes, it is. Here are some recent statistics regarding alcohol abuse in New Jersey:
- The five-year average annual rate of excessive alcohol deaths per capita in New Jersey increased by as much as 42.8% from 2015 to 2019.
- According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, in 2023, 3,008 people in New Jersey died from excessive alcohol abuse.
- New Jersey taxpayers spent $6.175 billion as a result of excessive alcohol use in 2010; adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to $8.337 billion or $2.30 per drink in 2022 US.
- Approximately 16.9% of adults in New Jersey reported engaging in binge or heavy drinking, slightly below the national average of 18.4%
- The prevalence of alcohol use in New Jersey is 17.7%
These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges posed by alcohol addiction in New Jersey, necessitating continued public health efforts and community awareness to address this issue effectively.
What Are the Signs of Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction is known in the medical community as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AUD is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to significant impairment or distress. Diagnosis is based on the presence of specific criteria within a 12-month period.
DSM-5 Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder:
- Alcohol is often consumed in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
- Significant time spent in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from alcohol’s effects.
- Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.
- Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
- Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
- Recurrent alcohol use in situations where it is physically hazardous.
- Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem likely caused or exacerbated by alcohol.
- Tolerance, as defined by either:
- A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
Withdrawal, as manifested by either:
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, seizures, hallucinations, and, in severe cases, delirium tremens)
- Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
The presence of two to three of these symptoms over 12 months indicates mild AUD. Four or five symptoms over the same time period indicate moderate AUD. If six or more symptoms are present over that time, that constitutes severe AUD.
These criteria assist clinicians in diagnosing AUD and determining its severity, which is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. Those suffering from alcohol addiction in New Jersey or anywhere else should seek professional treatment.
What Are the Long-Term Risks of Abusing Alcohol?
Over the long term, alcohol addiction is incredibly destructive to the body and mind. Here are some of the risks:
Risks to Physical Health
Alcohol abuse over a long period can damage the heart, causing conditions like cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and stroke. There are also risks to the liver, such as steatosis (fatty liver), alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis (liver disease).
Alcohol also harms the pancreas, causing it to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis. This is a dangerous inflammation in the pancreas that causes swelling and pain, impairing its ability to make enzymes and hormones for proper digestion.
Alcohol and Cancer Risks
Then, there’s the risk of various forms of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, The evidence indicates that the more alcohol a person drinks–particularly the more alcohol a person drinks regularly over time–the higher his or her risk of developing alcohol-associated cancer. Even those who have no more than one drink per day and people who binge drink (those who consume four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in one sitting) have a modestly increased risk of some cancers. Based on data from 2009, an estimated 3.5% of cancer deaths in the United States (about 19,500 deaths) were alcohol-related.
Finally, alcohol also damages your immune system. Drinking too much, too often, raises your risk for diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Risks to Mental Health
Abusing alcohol over the long term poses significant risks to mental health, affecting both cognitive function and emotional well-being. Chronic alcohol use can lead to depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, often exacerbated by the substance’s impact on brain chemistry and social consequences like isolation and strained relationships. Alcohol abuse can also impair judgment and increase impulsivity, contributing to a higher risk of self-harm or suicide.
One severe condition linked to prolonged alcohol abuse is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS), a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. WKS consists of two stages: Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which presents as confusion, coordination problems, and eye movement disturbances, and Korsakoff syndrome, characterized by profound memory loss and an inability to form new memories. Left untreated, WKS can cause permanent brain damage.
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Levels of Care for Alcohol Treatment in New Jersey
New Jersey offers a comprehensive range of care levels to support individuals battling alcohol addiction, tailored to their unique needs and the severity of their condition. The continuum of care includes alcohol detoxification, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient treatment, and aftercare services, ensuring individuals receive support at every stage of recovery.
Alcohol Detox in New Jersey
Alcohol detox is often the first step in treatment for alcohol addiction in New Jersey and involves managing withdrawal symptoms while the body eliminates alcohol. This process is conducted in a medically supervised setting to ensure safety, especially for individuals at risk of severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens.
Detox centers in New Jersey provide 24/7 monitoring and may administer medications to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications. Detox is a short-term process that prepares individuals for the next phase of treatment.
Inpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment in New Jersey
Inpatient treatment, also known as residential rehab, is designed for individuals requiring intensive care and a structured environment to focus on recovery. These programs typically last 30 to 90 days and offer comprehensive services, including individual and group therapy, medical care, nutritional support, and holistic approaches like yoga or meditation.
Inpatient centers in New Jersey often provide a safe and supportive community, removing individuals from environments that may trigger relapse and fostering lasting behavioral change.
Outpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment in New Jersey
Outpatient treatment offers flexibility for individuals who cannot commit to residential programs due to work, school, or family responsibilities. Programs range from standard outpatient sessions to intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), which require more frequent visits.
Outpatient services in New Jersey often include counseling, relapse prevention strategies, and access to support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. These programs are ideal for individuals with a strong support system or those transitioning from inpatient care.
Aftercare and Sober Living in New Jersey
Aftercare plays a crucial role in maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse. After completing a formal treatment program, individuals can benefit from ongoing counseling, 12-step meetings, or alumni support groups. New Jersey also offers sober living homes, which provide a structured, alcohol-free environment for individuals adjusting to life after treatment.
These residences emphasize accountability, peer support, and gradual reintegration into independent living. Aftercare ensures that recovery is not just about quitting alcohol but building a fulfilling and stable life.
Finding a New Jersey Alcohol Rehab Center
Not all alcohol treatment centers and drug rehabs are the same. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction in New Jersey, Footprints to Recovery can help you. Our addiction treatment program offers a full spectrum of care, including medical detox, along with inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization intensive, and outpatient treatment. Find a rehab program that offers individualized care for substance abuse and mental health issues.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about the admissions process, meet our caring team, and begin your insurance verification. Take the first step towards a life free from substance abuse.

