Introduction To be Black in a world shaped by white supremacy is to navigate an emotional terrain strewn with inherited wounds, racialized encounters, and psychological fatigue. The journey toward healing, then, is not merely personal—it is deeply political. It begins with acknowledging that trauma does not exist in a vacuum. For Black individuals, trauma is
Introduction In the aftermath of disaster—whether natural, economic, or public health-related—recovery efforts often echo the injustices that preceded the crisis. For Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), these moments are not just interruptions to stability; they are exacerbations of chronic neglect, disinvestment, and dispossession. Yet, amid the rupture, a powerful counternarrative is emerging. Across
Introduction Traditional models of addiction recovery often zero in on behavior modification—tracking sobriety milestones, enforcing abstinence, punishing relapses. But these frameworks frequently ignore a deeper truth: compulsive behaviors are often rooted in unresolved trauma. Trying to extinguish the habit without addressing its genesis is akin to pruning weeds while leaving the roots intact. Trauma-informed recovery
Introduction Addiction is more than a physical dependency; it is often a spiritual crisis. In the throes of substance use, many find themselves estranged from meaning, disconnected from inner truth. This is where faith emerges—not simply as a belief in a higher power, but as a lifeline back to one’s own soul. Recovery, when approached
Introduction Leadership is not always forged in boardrooms or behind polished podiums. Sometimes, it rises from hospital beds, treatment centers, and courtroom benches. For those who have clawed their way through the tenebrous tunnel of addiction and emerged with clarity, courage, and conviction, leadership takes on a new meaning. They become advocates—not merely by choice,
Introduction Understanding the Power of Collective Healing Human beings are inherently communal. From tribal storytelling to spiritual congregations, the instinct to gather and heal through shared experience is ancient. Today, in a world often atomized by isolation and digital fragmentation, group therapy emerges as a profound counterpoint—a sanctuary for collective healing where narratives intertwine and
Introduction Addiction is not merely a personal affliction; it is a societal crisis that reverberates through families, communities, and institutions. In New Jersey, the opioid epidemic, synthetic drug proliferation, and alcohol misuse have galvanized a robust public response. Central to this has been the implementation of wide-reaching public education campaigns. These initiatives aim not only
Introduction The state of New Jersey has long grappled with the scourge of addiction, particularly amid the nationwide opioid epidemic that has inflicted profound social and economic damage. Understanding the intricacies of addiction patterns is paramount to devising effective interventions. Accurate and comprehensive data collection serves as the linchpin in this endeavor, empowering stakeholders to
Introduction Before the world shuttered under the weight of a global pandemic, addiction treatment in New Jersey was already battling formidable adversaries—stigma, limited resources, and fragmented care pathways. COVID-19 arrived not just as a viral contagion but as a stressor that would unravel the delicate threads holding together the state’s addiction recovery framework. What ensued
Introduction: The Unique Challenges Faced by Veterans Military service leaves indelible marks on those who serve—both visible and invisible. Among these, addiction presents a formidable challenge, woven intricately with the trials of military life. Veterans in New Jersey, like elsewhere, grapple with complex layers of physical injuries, psychological trauma, and social reintegration difficulties that often