Governor Murphy’s $25 Million Investment in Opioid Crisis Response

The state of New Jersey is facing an opioid public health crisis of epic proportions. The devastating impact of opioid addiction continues to affect individuals, families, and entire communities across the state. It also disproportionately affects certain demographics, including veterans, individuals with mental health disorders, and economically disadvantaged populations. The ripple effects extend beyond individuals struggling with addiction to impact families, employers, healthcare systems, and law enforcement agencies which can cause a significant economic burden as well.

At Discovery Institute in Marlboro, New Jersey, we are developing strategies aimed at preventing opioid misuse and finding solutions to mitigate the dangerous and deadly ongoing opioid crisis. 

Understanding the Opioid Addiction Crisis

Opioids represent a category of drugs that encompasses prescription analgesics such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, illicit substances like heroin, and synthetic opioids including fentanyl. These drugs interact with opioid receptors in the brain, resulting in analgesia and feelings of euphoria. Extended usage can result in tolerance, dependence, and addiction, which are hallmarks of opioid use disorder (OUD). Fentanyl, noted for its high potency, has significantly exacerbated the opioid crisis.

OUD is a global concern that impacts individuals of all ages and genders. In the United States, there has been a marked rise in OUD cases, contributing to what is commonly termed the “opioid epidemic.” The opioid epidemic represents the most critical and severe public health challenge currently facing society. Its impact is evident not only in the rising number of overdose fatalities but also in the noticeable decline in overall well-being and health, alongside an increase in all-cause mortality rates. This trend of overprescribing, combined with the rise of illegal opioids such as heroin and synthetic variants like fentanyl, has intensified the crisis.

The issue of opioid use disorders extends beyond the United States, manifesting as a worldwide problem with varying rates of prevalence across different nations. The health ramifications of OUD are severe. Physically, it can result in respiratory depression, infections, constipation, and hormonal disruptions. Psychologically, those affected by OUD frequently suffer from depression, anxiety, and cognitive deficits. Socially, the disorder can strain personal relationships, disrupt job stability, and lead to criminal behavior. The most concerning aspect is the mortality rate linked to OUD. Deaths from opioid overdoses have escalated, with a considerable number attributed to powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl. In the United States, opioid overdoses account for tens of thousands of fatalities each year, rendering it a leading cause of preventable death.

The persistent rise in overdose deaths across the United States, coupled with recent reductions in life expectancy, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies and the establishment of a robust infrastructure to prevent future crises. This ongoing situation is exacerbated by the growing misuse of synthetic opioids, an uptick in fatalities associated with psychostimulants, and insufficient rates of treatment initiation and retention.

Accessing Opioid Addiction Treatment 

The ongoing surge in overdose deaths and the decline in life expectancy necessitate the implementation of thorough public health strategies to address the opioid crisis in the United States and to create a framework aimed at preventing future emergencies. Effectively tackling the challenges presented by this crisis requires a translational and integrated approach that leverages insights from neuroscience, pharmacology, epidemiology, treatment services, and prevention efforts. It is also vital to coordinate interventions across various sectors, including healthcare, criminal justice, education, and social services.

A public health strategy, informed by advancements in epidemiology, prevention, and treatment services, is crucial for understanding the nature and progression of the crisis and for formulating effective and sustainable responses. This approach should aim to identify who is affected, the locations of impact, the trajectories and consequences of opioid use and misuse, how these patterns are evolving, and the factors that influence these dynamics.

Additionally, it is imperative to develop strategies aimed at preventing opioid misuse specifically, as well as drug use more broadly, particularly among at-risk populations, while ensuring the availability of both effective and cost-efficient treatment services for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).

New Jersey’s Governor Murphy’s Investment to Fight the Opioid Crisis 

In an attempt to combat this opioid addiction crisis though, Governor Phil Murphy has announced a $25 million investment in opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. Sourced from federal grants provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the funding aims to increase access to treatment, reduce unmet treatment needs, and decrease opioid overdose-related deaths. Let’s take a deeper look at each of those goals:

Opioid Prevention

It’s no secret that the most important step in combating substance abuse and addiction of any kind, including opioids, is to prevent it from happening. And, while we know it is unrealistic to think that, with the snap of a finger opioid abuse will just disappear entirely, some active measures can and are being taken in the state of New Jersey to help actively prevent the abuse of opioids such as:

Promoting Opioid-Related Primary Prevention in Schools and Communities

Education is key when it comes to promoting substance abuse prevention. While education is important for all demographics and age groups, starting with children can teach future generations the dangers of opioid use and abuse from a young age. 

As part of Governor Murphy’s initiative, schools and community organizations will receive resources to educate students about the dangers of opioids and the importance of healthy decision-making. Programs that schools and youth centers will implement programming mechanisms, mental health awareness, and drug refusal skills will be implemented.

Pain Management Education For Providers

While much of the attention when it comes to opioid addiction gets focused on those who use opioids recreationally, unfortunately, many who find themselves depending on or addicted to opioids started taking them as medically directed and with a doctor’s prescription.

One of the ways this can and will be addressed is by training healthcare providers on alternative pain management techniques. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that opioids will never be prescribed in the state of New Jersey ever again, what it can do is get healthcare providers thinking about alternatives such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and non-addictive medication alternatives instead of just automatically prescribing an opioid.

Providing Increased Access to Harm Reduction Services

When it comes to opioids specifically, fatal overdoses happen at a disproportionately high rate. By providing more access to overdose education, as well as easier access to life-saving, overdose-reversing products such as naloxone, the state can increase the chances of survival should someone overdose on an opioid.

Opioid Addiction Treatment

While the opioid epidemic is running rampant through the state of New Jersey, only a fraction of those dependent on or addicted to opioids seek treatment. While there are several reasons for this, one of the bigger concerns amongst leaders in the state, including Governor Murphy, is access to not just treatment but also affordable treatment options. 

That’s why, as part of the $25 million investment, the state is looking to do the following as it relates to opioid treatment:

Recruit, Train, and Support Providers for Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines FDA-approved prescription and/or over-the-counter medication with traditional counseling and therapies is a particularly successful evidence-based approach to treating Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). 

By investing in valuable training and recruiting efforts, more treatment centers and facilities will be able to provide those in need with MAT, increasing the chances of a successful recovery.

Provide Medication Treatment for Uninsured Individuals Using a Chronic Disease Management Model

Another major hurdle preventing people from seeking proper treatment for their OUD is the lack of insurance, making treatment unaffordable. As part of the initiative, funding will be earmarked to help those who may not normally be able to afford it to access essential medications and services including buprenorphine and methadone.

Expand Hospital-Based Screening, Treatment Induction, and Community Care Connections

While most hospitals aren’t set up to properly treat those with a substance use disorder, they still serve a valuable purpose when it comes to not just detection but part of treatment as well. In addition to many hospitals being able to provide detox services, often people who may be suffering from an OUD may find themselves hospitalized due to something opioid-addiction related such as a side effect or an accident that occurred as a result of their opioid use.

By expanding screening programs, hospitals will be able to identify an OUD more easily and refer them to a specialized treatment center where they may be able to access the treatment they need to recover.

Increase Access to Telemedicine for OUD Treatment

Not everyone either requires inpatient treatment or can put their life on pause to enter inpatient treatment. While outpatient care has traditionally been the only other option available, thanks to advancements in telemedicine during COVID, telemedicine can now be used for addiction treatment as well. 

As part of the initiative, Governor Murphy wants to further develop telehealth services as it relates to addiction treatment, making telehealth more accessible, especially for those in traditionally underserved areas. Virtual therapy, remote medical consultations, and mobile health applications will be integrated into the state’s opioid response plan.

Opioid Recovery

Recovery from opioid addiction is a lifelong process that requires constant work and effort, even after treatment has been completed. Aftercare services such as recovery housing, peer support specialists, and community-based wellness programs are vital in helping individuals maintain their sobriety and rebuild their lives, which is why, as part of the new initiative, an emphasis will also be placed on the following services as well:

Supporting Safe and Effective Recovery Housing

While having a safe, supportive environment to return home to is crucial to recovery, not everyone has access to that. For those who don’t have access to that, sober living facilities or halfway houses are vital to helping them successfully navigate the early stages of their recovery post-treatment. As part of the new initiative, the state will look to provide easier access to these housing options and the vital services that come with them such as employment assistance, mental health services, and life skills training.

Building the Workforce of Certified Peer Specialists

Peer specialists can provide valuable support to those struggling with OUD. Through this initiative, money will be earmarked for training and certifying more peer specialists to assist individuals on their recovery journey as well as offer more peer-led support groups in both urban and rural areas.

Promoting Wellness and Recovery Through Community Recovery Centers

Having a support system is an essential component of recovery. While group therapy is a great way to form a support system while in treatment, many people find themselves searching for support and a sense of community after completing treatment. 

With the continued need for easy access to community support and support networks, the state is planning to answer that demand by establishing community recovery centers in high-need areas to provide individuals with the access they need to support groups, job training, mental health services, and other essential resources. These centers will serve as safe spaces for individuals to seek help, build supportive relationships, and access essential recovery services.

Learn More About the Opioid Addiction Crisis at Discovery NJ

Governor Murphy’s $25 million investment represents a significant step forward in the fight against the opioid crisis. However, continued efforts will be necessary to build upon these initiatives and ensure that all New Jersey residents have access to the resources they need to prevent, treat, and recover from opioid addiction.

Through education, expanded treatment options, and robust recovery support, New Jersey is taking a comprehensive approach to addressing the opioid crisis. The state’s commitment to reducing opioid-related harm will save lives, strengthen communities, and provide hope to those struggling with addiction.

At Discovery NJ, we understand our role in this continued fight against not just the opioid crisis but addiction and mental health as well. That’s why we offer a comprehensive list of treatment programs designed to help those in need no matter what their struggles.

In addition to our detox and treatment services, we also offer aftercare and alumni programs to ensure that everyone who comes and sees us continues to be successful with their recovery journey even after they have left and returned home. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with substance abuse, addiction, or mental health struggles, contact us today. We will do our part to help combat the addiction and opioid epidemic in the state of New Jersey one person at a time.