According to the substance use and mental health studies[4] conducted in Monmouth County, clear trends emerge from the gathered data. The dominant substance abused by inhabitants was alcohol, influencing 2,515 individuals, which represents 42% of those receiving treatment. Heroin came in a close second, being the preferred drug for 2,198 individuals or 37% of the total. Other forms of opiates touched 354 lives, making up 6% of the cases.
The collected information also highlighted the extent of care necessary for people wrestling with substance misuse. A substantial 23% or 1,361 individuals required comprehensive outpatient assistance. The next most frequent form of care was outpatient, which was needed by 1,180 individuals, equating to 20% of the treated populace. The same proportion of people necessitated detox in a residential setting. Short-term housing-based treatment was crucial for 13% or 778 individuals.
As for the age demographics receiving treatment, those within the 35-44 years bracket were hit hardest, accounting for 27% or 1,584 individuals. The age range of 45-54 years made up 18% of all cases, while those aged 30-34 years comprised 17%.
Moreover, a notable 66% of those under treatment (totaling 5,965 individuals) were confronting a mental health or concurrent disorder. This underscores the close relationship between substance abuse and mental health challenges in Monmouth County.