Passaic Addiction Treatment Centers

Just like much of the United States, residents in Passaic, New Jersey, suffer from opioid abuse and addiction on a large scale. In 2016, heroin and opiate users accounted for 57% of all substance abuse treatment program admissions in the county, and, in total, 2,177 residents sought treatment that year from either in-county or out-of-county substance abuse programs.¹ Since there are a little more than 512,000 people in Passaic County, this means 0.4% of the population has received treatment for opioid abuse.²

Knowing if you have an opioid addiction can be difficult to determine in some cases. Many people start opioid use with a painkiller prescription that they receive for legitimate medical reasons. However, they eventually use their medication at higher doses to feel the same high they first got when using it. When they can’t refill their prescription as often they like, or the medication becomes less effective, they may choose to move on to cheaper, more readily available but illegal drugs such as heroin.³

If you need a higher dose to get the same pain relief as before, this may mean that you’ve developed a tolerance to the drug. You may have also developed dependence, which is when the body needs opioids just to feel “normal.” If you show any of the following withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking your opioid medication, you most likely have developed opioid dependence:³ 

• Anxiety and agitation
• Achy muscles
• Runny nose or tearing eyes
• Trouble sleeping
• Uncontrollable yawning
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Keep in mind that dependence is not necessarily addiction but is a physical need for opioids. Addiction, on the other hand, implies a mental and emotional need for opioids, in addition to physical dependence. Both are difficult to overcome on your own, which is why you should seek professional help. Browse our directory for Passaic rehab facilities or treatment in another location that meets your needs.

Sources

1. Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Office of Planning, Research, Evaluation and Prevention. (2017). New Jersey Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment: Substance Abuse Overview 2016 Passaic County.
2. United States Census Bureau. (2017). QuickFacts Passaic County, New Jersey; New Jersey.
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus. (2016). Opiate and opioid withdrawal.