Paterson Treatment Centers

Paterson, New Jersey, is a large, modern city, that faces many large, modern problems. These problems include substance abuse and crime, and the two are significantly intertwined, and authorities in the city are attempting to find ways to address this. One way in which they aim to achieve this is through drug courts, which give people the opportunity to go through detox and rehab, rather than face criminal charges. To determine the effectiveness of these initiatives, a comprehensive piece of research on the problem with substance abuse in Paterson has been conducted. Statistics on Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Paterson In terms of public perception, it was found that:

• 97% of people know someone in the city who uses cannabis.
• 53% believe that cannabis should be available for medicinal purposes.
• 41% of those who use substances first did so between the ages of 18 and 25.
• 52% of people feel it is easy to access cocaine in the city.
• 77% feel that meth use is rising in the city.
• 88% feel that prescription medication abuse is rising in the city.
• 91% of people feel that those with an addiction should be offered proper treatment in detox and rehab facilities.

In terms of rates of substance abuse, it was found that:

• 35,817 people consume alcohol to levels that are considered problematic.
• 13,879 people abuse illicit substances in Paterson.
• 2,193 people abuse both alcohol and at least one other substances.
• The greatest drug threats are cannabis, heroin, cocaine (crack and powder), and stimulants.

What the statistics show is that, just like in many other parts of the country, the heroin epidemic has truly hit Paterson, NJ. Heroin has once again become a drug of choice since a nationwide crackdown on \"pill mills\", making it more difficult for people to access prescription medication, and particularly opiate painkillers. Since this crackdown, heroin has become the better alternative as it was easier to have access to it, plus it is far more affordable. The Paterson Approach Paterson has put a number of intervention efforts in place to address its rising problem with drug and alcohol abuse. The first element is to provide young people with advice on the dangers of substance abuse, as well as steering them towards healthier alternatives. Community organizations, schools, and health settings are working together to achieve this. They are also working with families so that parents know how to support their young people. The second element is to respond to the 91% of people who feel treatment should be available for those who have fallen into the traps of addiction. Various detox and rehab facilities are now state-sponsored, so that financial resources are less of a barrier towards receiving treatment. People are encouraged, wherever possible, to enter residential treatment facilities, preferably for a period of at least 90 days. Evidence has shown that this has the greatest potential to be successful. Significant aftercare programs have also been created, so that those who have completed rehab continue to have support to help them avoid relapse. These include sober living facilities, 12 step programs, and continued therapy.