One of the most alarming trends in New Jersey is the rampant spread of illicit fentanyl and its methamphetamine in South Jersey. According to a DEA report, in early 2025, fentanyl and norfentanyl appeared in nearly 40% of all drug-positive tests, underscoring fentanyl’s dominant and lethal influence in the state’s drug supply. Moreover, adulterants like xylazine—a veterinary tranquilizer—now contaminate many opioid mixtures, which complicates overdose responses since xylazine does not respond to naloxone. In combination, these hidden substances dramatically increase overdose risk and pose new challenges for first responders and treatment providers across South Jersey.
Equally concerning is the resurgence of methamphetamine use. Once relatively scarce in the region, meth is becoming more accessible—and increasingly laced with fentanyl—in rural and suburban areas. New Jersey’s “fourth wave” of substance abuse includes rising rates of stimulant-related deaths. Nationally, overdose fatalities involving stimulants like methamphetamine have surged more than 300% since 2015, a pattern that’s echoed locally in South Jersey. This complex, polysubstance threat demands integrated treatment protocols targeting stimulant, opioid, and tranquilizer misuse together.
Overdose Rates & Demographic Shifts
Recent data from the New Jersey Medicolegal Death Review System shows that, between January and April 2025, Ocean County and other southern Jersey counties recorded over 12 suspected overdose deaths monthly, similar to 2024’s figures of ~171 for the full year. In neighboring Camden County, suspected overdose deaths surged to 327 in 2023, making it one of the hardest-hit areas in the state. Despite statewide declines—New Jersey reported 2,778 overdose deaths in 2023, down from 3,047 in 2021—certain counties continue to bear a disproportionate burden.
Demographics also reveal critical trends: 2024 data indicate more than 65% of overdose victims were male, and adults aged 35–44 represented the highest age-group prevalence. However, younger adults, particularly those aged 25–34, are increasingly affected by polysubstance overdoses involving fentanyl and stimulants. Another notable shift: overdose deaths among Black and Hispanic residents, particularly older adults, are rising—a sign that equity-focused interventions are urgently needed.
Treatment Admissions and Service Gaps
New Jersey reported 98,479 hospital admissions for substance use in 2024, indicating widespread demand for treatment. Of these, nearly 20% (≈approximately 19,000) were for outpatient care, while around 17,000 individuals received Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) services, underscoring the importance of flexible, community-based care. Notably, alcohol and heroin remain the most common substances driving treatment entries, accounting for 40.5% and 31% of admissions, respectively.
Despite these treatment efforts, only about 7–10% of facilities in southern New Jersey offer integrated care for co-occurring disorders—a troubling figure given the prevalence of mental health issues in addiction. Additionally, treatment deserts persist in rural areas, and many patients can’t access care promptly, delays that increase the risk of relapse or overdose. Fortunately, New Jersey’s increased funding (e.g., opioid lawsuit settlement) is improving infrastructure and access, though persistent gaps remain.
Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Policy Responses
In response to this evolving crisis, New Jersey has implemented several public health initiatives to curb overdose deaths. Key strategies include widespread naloxone distribution, enforceable by law as of 2021, and lagging but increasing availability of fentanyl test strips. EMS and first responders in South Jersey are trained to carry multiple doses due to the potency of fentanyl/Xylazine mixtures.
Local agencies also launched drug awareness programs targeting youth to address the rising prevalence of stimulant and opioid use among teens and young adults. Legislative action includes tighter prescription monitoring and zoning laws to regulate treatment centers, striking a balance between accessibility and community protection. The deployment of opioid settlement revenues (~$600M statewide) is funding sustainable recovery services, expanded treatment access, and post-treatment support.
The Path Forward for South Jersey
The shifting landscape of addiction in South Jersey—driven by fentanyl dominance, returning meth use, and poly-drug trends—demands a multi-pronged response. Integrated treatment that addresses multiple substance use and mental health disorders, harm reduction, and community-based prevention must all be strengthened. Data indicate that county-level variation remains wide, underscoring the need for regionally tailored interventions.
For individuals and families seeking help, awareness of outpatient IOPs and comprehensive dual-diagnosis clinics is key. As policies and funding shift toward community-based models, South Jersey must also ensure access in underserved areas—rural, suburban, and urban alike. Community engagement, educational campaigns, and peer-led support will be essential complements to clinical care.
Ready to Take the Next Step Towards Recovery?
If you’re in South Jersey and looking for support, the team at Avisa Recovery in Toms River, NJ offers specialized, evidence-based treatment tailored to meet the challenges of today’s complex addiction trends. From integrated outpatient programs to individualized care that includes trauma-informed and holistic therapies, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Avisa Recovery today to schedule a confidential assessment and discover how our services can help you navigate these evolving addiction challenges—and reclaim your health and hope.
