Entries by Allan Donald

New Jersey’s Initiatives to Support Families Affected by Addiction

Introduction Addiction is rarely a solitary affliction. When one individual succumbs to substance use disorder, an entire family system often unravels in its wake. The cascade of emotional stress, financial burden, and long-term psychological fallout infiltrates every corner of home life. In New Jersey—a state hit hard by the opioid crisis and other forms of

How New Jersey is Supporting Addiction Recovery Through Telehealth

Introduction Addiction remains a formidable public health issue across the United States, and New Jersey is no exception. From opioid misuse to rising stimulant dependency, communities across the Garden State continue to grapple with the evolving face of substance use disorders. Yet, in the heart of this crisis, innovation has emerged. Telehealth—once a niche service

Substance Abuse Treatment Accessibility in New Jersey: Closing the Gap

Introduction New Jersey stands at a critical juncture in addressing substance abuse. As opioid overdoses surge and alcohol dependency rates climb, the need for accessible, equitable treatment has never been more urgent. The Garden State—home to diverse populations and sprawling urban-rural contrasts—faces unique challenges in ensuring that all residents, regardless of zip code or socioeconomic

Addressing Methamphetamine Use in New Jersey: Emerging Concerns

Rise in Methamphetamine Use: A Growing Threat in the Garden State Methamphetamine, once a relatively marginal player in New Jersey’s drug landscape, has gained an unsettling foothold. In recent years, the state has witnessed an uptick in both use and availability, signaling a shift in drug consumption patterns. This surge is not isolated; it reflects

New Jersey’s Approach to Naloxone Training for First Responders

Introduction New Jersey, like many states across the U.S., finds itself ensnared in the grip of an opioid crisis that shows little sign of abating. The epidemic’s devastating reach has left no demographic untouched, compelling urgent innovations in public health strategies. Among these, the administration of naloxone—a potent opioid antagonist—by first responders has emerged as

Addressing Polysubstance Abuse in New Jersey: Challenges and Solutions

Introduction Polysubstance abuse, the concurrent use of multiple drugs, is not just a medical anomaly—it’s a pressing public health conundrum. In New Jersey, this phenomenon has escalated beyond isolated addiction cases into a multi-faceted crisis, fueled by pharmaceutical overflow, street-level narcotics, and socio-economic volatility. The Garden State, often overshadowed by the opioid narrative, now faces

Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders in New Jersey’s Addiction Treatment Centers

Introduction Co-occurring disorders—where substance use disorders intersect with mental health conditions—represent one of the most intricate challenges in modern addiction treatment. In New Jersey, the demand for integrated, nuanced care has never been more critical. With opioid misuse, anxiety, depression, and PTSD rising concurrently, treatment centers must evolve or risk perpetuating cycles of relapse and

New Jersey’s Public Health Campaigns Against Substance Abuse

Introduction Substance abuse remains one of the most tenacious public health crises in the United States. From the tranquil suburbs of Morris County to the industrial corridors of Camden, no region in New Jersey is untouched by the tentacles of addiction. The Garden State, long characterized by its cultural diversity and economic contrasts, has mobilized