Substance Use
Substance use disorders occur when regular use of alcohol and/or drugs impacts daily functioning,
including health problems, disability, and inability to meet main responsibilities at home, work,
or school.1
1. Substance Use Disorders, SAMHSA, 10/27/15.
The United States is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic.2
Most leading causes of death are at least partially caused by the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Chronic liver disease, unintentional injuries, and suicide are associated with alcohol use; chronic lower respiratory disease and influenza and pneumonia are associated with tobacco use; heart disease, malignant neoplasms, and cerebrovascular disease are associated with both alcohol and tobacco use; and unintentional injuries and suicide are associated with the use of other drugs.
Most leading causes of death are at least partially caused by the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Chronic liver disease, unintentional injuries, and suicide are associated with alcohol use; chronic lower respiratory disease and influenza and pneumonia are associated with tobacco use; heart disease, malignant neoplasms, and cerebrovascular disease are associated with both alcohol and tobacco use; and unintentional injuries and suicide are associated with the use of other drugs.
2. Opioid Overdose, CDC, 10/23/17.
Substance use data can be obtained from sources including:
The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services conducts surveys of drug use and health in New Jersey.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has multiple data collection system.
- Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) is an online application that provides national and state estimates of alcohol-related health impact.
- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health.
- Hospital Discharge Data for inpatient and ED visits relating to substance abuse disorders.
- Mortality data provides alcohol- and drug-induced death rates.
The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services conducts surveys of drug use and health in New Jersey.
Binge Drinking (5+ drinks for men, 4+ drinks for women) - Adults (BRFSS)
Chronic Heavy Drinking - Adults (BRFSS)
Current Alcohol Use - Adults (BRFSS)
Hospitalizations
Diagnosis - Major Diagnostic Categories (MDC): Alcohol/Drug Use or Induced Mental DiordersMortality
Cause of Death - Other cause of death groupings: Alcohol-induced deaths and/or Drug-induced deathsNew Jersey
- NJDOH Opioid Data Dashboard
- NJDOH Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner
- NJDOH Naloxone (Narcan®) Program
- NJDHS Mental Health and Addiction Services
- NJLPS Office of the NJ Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJCARES)
- NJDOE Annual Reports of Violence, Vandalism, and Substance Abuse in New Jersey Schools
- NJDOE Student Health Survey
