Tag: drugs

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Why We Should Stop Drugging Our Kids

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Naomi Schaefer Riley | February 10, 2017

Maybe it’s time to stop drugging our children. A new study from the Medical Journal of Australia has found that the youngest kids in any given class are twice as likely to be receiving medication for behavioral disorders as the older kids in the class. And the proportion of boys receiving such medication was three times as high as it was for girls.

The Australian researchers looked at data for more than 300,000 students, of whom almost 6,000 received at least one government-subsidized ADHD prescription in 2013. (The actual rate of use might have been higher given that some people presumably bought the medication without government assistance). As the study found:

“The proportion of boys receiving medication (2.9%) was much higher than that of girls (0.8%). Among children aged 6–10 years, those born in June (the last month of the recommended school-year intake) were about twice as likely (boys 1.93 times, girls 2.11 times) to have received ADHD medication as those born in the first intake month (the previous July). “

https://www.intellectualtakeout.org/blog/why-we-should-stop-drugging-our-kids

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Meet Joe Rullo he want to drain the Swamp in Trenton

Rullo

January 13,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, like many of you we have been concerned over the State of New Jersey’s sustainability . The tax base in New Jersey has been under precipitous decline since Jon Corzine. Soon there will be no one here left to pay all the taxes .

In 2017, New Jersey voters will elect a new governor to succeed Chris Christie. So far many of the potentials are same old same old from ,Murphy (Corzine2.0) to our Lt .Gov.

One of the people vying for the Republican Joe Rullo you can find him on Facebook ; Rullo for Governor 2017. He is running a very Trump inspired unorthodox campaign relying heavily on social media .

Basically we went to his website and let him speak for himself ; “As Governor I will reduce property taxes, repeal the $.23 gas tax, dissolve the transportation SLUSH fund, Veto all tax increases, cut billions in political earmarked jobs and contracts, eliminate state income taxes on pensions for retirees and add 1 billion in new revenue sources to further lower taxes. I Will dissolve the Transportation Trust Fund and consolidate all highway authorities eliminating redundant high level management positions, eliminate high cost earmark & specialty contracts tied to contributors.. It will produce millions in savings with shared services and purchases.

I will eliminate tolls and repeal the gas tax with the savings from the new efficient transparent highway entity. I will also eliminate 1.3 billion in pension fees to NYC politically connected brokerage houses and replace with licensed brokers in the state investors division to pay towards pension payment.

Superintendents and business administrators need to be reduced drastically. Instead of having one superintendent and business administrator per school district, we need to cut the number to one per county. By consolidating superintendents & business administrators, we can save $50 million per year by eliminating superintendents alone. And will work to also eliminate municipal tax assessors to one per county. I will fire hundreds of high-salary patronage jobs like indicted Port Authority’s David Wildstein, as an example, saving hundreds of millions of dollars to cut taxes.

Second Amendment Stance

First – I will appoint 2A justices. Governor Christie just appointed a liberal Democrat. Silence from everyone?

Second. I will elect Republicans to control both houses instead of running for President.

Third. I will appoint Pro 2A/ Carry Conceal NJ AG for the obvious reasons.

Fourth. I will exhaust executive process and test courts. And like I have more than proven will work with expert 2A resources to reach the goal of Carry Conceal without justifiable need in NJ. Most importantly, I will present the argument of the change in times with domestic terrorist, shooters, and gangs all carrying illegally regardless of the law – leaving the law abiding sitting ducks.

Veterans

I want to make NJ the capital of where veterans can count on love, respect, and the care a hero deserves. I want NJ to be the model of how veterans should be treated.

As Governor I pledge:

To fight to eliminate state income taxes on all veterans pension regardless of age.
Transition NJ hospitals to accept VA health benefits.
Hire unemployed veterans to protect NJ against terrorist & domestic shooters.
Create a cabinet position, “No Veteran Left Behind”.
Our US Senator Booker visits prisons to advocate for cheaper phone calls for prisoners, but has not visited a NJ VA hospital. I will fight for the heroes who gave us our happiness and freedom.

Education:

Since the start of No Child Left Behind and continued under Race to the Top, NJ parents and students have been saddled with the Common Core Standards. Parents feel like they can’t help their children with their homework because it is something they have never learned before and the children are left floundering in schools with too many children and not enough teachers to explain things to them. The State then decided to force the PARCC (Partnership for Readiness for College and Careers) test on our children. This has resulted in schools and teachers focusing their teaching efforts, not on learning, but on test results. This is wrong and only hurts our children who deserve a comprehensive learning program not a regimen of tests.

As Governor I will end PARCC testing completely and direct the Department of Education to draw up new, independent education standards that will return NJ to the top of the best educated Students in the Country.

Students come out of High School and don’t know how to balance a checkbook, write a resume or know anything about personal credit. Common Core needs to become Common Sense. Teachers need to be allowed to teach and not recite facts mandated from Washington, or some Corporation making money from our tax dollars. We need to provide better opportunities for students who decide to enter the workforce directly from high school with expanded vocational schools. The future of New Jersey depends on it!

Illegal immigration

Illegal immigration destroyed the Landscaping industry for legal businesses following the laws, and is just as devastating to NJ jobs. It’s difficult to compete with a business not paying payroll taxes, employee comp, and not following the same rules. All the jobs lost are directly proportional to NJ unemployment. Just ask business owners following the rules. Ask the employees unemployed or underemployed. Imagine the losses to employee comp insurance revenue and state income taxes. The impact on rates for businesses following the law!

Many illegal immigrants are now running businesses themselves with illegal employees charging less than half of what a job is worth. This summer I couldn’t do a job for cost what an illegal competitor was charging. One of these illegal business owners drives around with a fraudulent license from Mexico with a New Jersey address. He built his business stealing accounts from his former employer for 10 plus years who also used illegal immigrants. The company was fined 13k for failing to have a home improvement license last year. The courts are buried in old warrants from illegal immigrants who never show up to court. They don’t exist.

Our police are overburdened with hands virtually tied because NJ is a sanctuary state. Out of state license plates and DMV fraud are the law of the land. As Governor I will implement E- Verify for all employees working in New Jersey and work with President Donald Trump to eliminate sanctuary cities across NJ. Everyone must follow the same rules in business and follow the law. Our veterans will of NJ will be first priority in NJ hospitals not illegal immigrants.

Heroin Epidemic

There are numerous examples of heroin dealers getting probation for first time offenses in NJ. All it takes is one time to kill someone with this poison they call heroin. Tell the families who have lost loved ones to this poison that first time dealers should get a break. No heroin dealer should get off with probation fo non violent first offense. I will do everything in my power as Governor to make it a living hell for heroin dealers in NJ. With that being said they should be charged for attempt of murder for distribution and automatic manslaughter if someone dies from their distribution. Backed up court systems enabling these criminals to poison our society for court dates as long as one year or more will be another main focus.

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N.J. relaxes rule barring convicted drug users from getting welfare

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By Susan K. Livio | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on November 30, 2016 at 1:18 PM, updated December 01, 2016 at 2:16 AM

TRENTON — A drug possession conviction is no longer a barrier to receiving welfare benefits in New Jersey under a compromise bill Gov. Chris Christie signed into law Wednesday.

Childless adults who undergo outpatient drug treatment may qualify for public assistance, despite a conviction for drug possession in their backgrounds. Previously, inpatient treatment was the requirement.

The bill’s sponsors say the old restrictions inhibited a person’s ability to become self-sufficient. The legislation is among others aimed at reducing poverty in the state, which has remained stubbornly high in the post-recession era.

“It can be tremendously hard to turn one’s life around after a drug conviction because of all the doors that close in their face due to legal constraints, especially for those who don’t have family or friends to rely on for assistance,” said state Assemblywoman Liz Muoio (D-Mercer), one of the bill’s prime sponsors. “Financial assistance, job training, and education — all of these things provide hope and a chance at a new start.”

https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/convicted_drug_users_who_get_treatment_may_get_wel.html?utm_campaign=Observer_NJ_Politics&utm_content=New%20Campaign&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=New%20Jersey%20Politics#incart_river_home

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Governor Christie Announces Counterfeit Fentanyl Ban and Expanded Recovery Coach Program

Chris_christie_theridgewoodblog

September 27, 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New Jersey Combats Opioid Abuse with New Initiatives During National Recovery Month

Trenton NJ,  Expanding his commitment in the fight against opioid addiction in the Garden State, Governor Chris Christie today announced new initiatives in recognition of National Recovery Month, including an Emergency Order to ban the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of seven illegal knock-offs of the highly addictive opioid “fentanyl” and an expansion of the state’s Recovery Coach Program.

“We are doubling down on our efforts to combat the epidemic of opioid addiction – a pervasive crisis in communities and neighborhoods throughout our nation. This past summer, I was joined by 45 other governors in a compact through the National Governors Association to carry on this battle, and today we continue New Jersey’s leadership role, in part, by becoming one of the first states to take on the use, sale, and distribution of illicit fentanyl analogs produced by drug trafficking networks,” said Governor Christie.

The Office of the Attorney General and its Division of Consumer Affairs is issuing an Emergency Order to ban the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of seven illegal knock-offs of the highly addictive opioid “fentanyl” which are being manufactured by drug dealers. Additionally, the Governor announced the expansion of the Recovery Coach Program, which connects persons who have been saved from drug overdoses to people who can help them find treatment.

These initiatives were among several unveiled by the Governor as he was joined in his outer office by cabinet members and former Governor James E. McGreevey, director of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), which was funded by the Christie Administration to provide addiction treatment, transitional housing, job training and employment to ex-offenders with substance use disorder.

FENTANYL EMERGENCY ORDER

This Emergency Order issued by Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino adds seven “fentanyl analogs” – derivatives of the regulated prescription drug – to the list of Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) in New Jersey, subjecting them to the strictest level of state control.

Used to treat acute pain, fentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Fentanyl knock-offs, often more potent than their legal prototype, have been sold on street corners across New Jersey, usually disguised as much less potent drugs like heroin, oxycodone, or other abused prescription drugs. The result has been deadly. Last year, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration listed New Jersey as one of five states hit hardest by a “surge” in fentanyl-related deaths. The total had reached 150 by mid-year, according to the latest available statistics.

“Those responsible for supplying the drugs that caused these deaths will no longer be able to fly under the legal radar in our state,” said Attorney General Porrino. “We are empowering our law enforcement agencies with the legal clout to arrest and fully prosecute anyone caught manufacturing, distributing, or possessing these lethal drugs.”

Knock-offs covered by the order include: Furanyl Fentanyl, 3-Methyfentanyl, 3-Methyl Butyrylfentanyl, Valeryl Fentanyl, Norfentanyl, Para-Florobutyryl-Fentanyl, and Carfentanyl. Under the order, manufacture, distribution, sale, or possession of the chemicals is now a third-degree crime. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for a three- to five-year term. The Order will remain in effect for 270 days, or until a regulation is adopted through an administrative process to formally classifying the counterfeit drugs as Schedule I CDS.

EXPANSION OF THE RECOVERY COACH PROGRAM

Already demonstrating success in Camden, Essex, Monmouth, Ocean and Passaic counties, the Recovery Coach program connects people who have been saved from drug overdoses – often with the opioid reversal drug Narcan — with recovery coaches who can provide guidance and support and help them into treatment for their addiction. The Governor announced the program will be expanded into six more counties – Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Hudson, Gloucester and Middlesex.

Recovery coaches, who often are in recovery themselves, are on-site in hospital emergency rooms in the five counties where the program already operates. They tap into their own personal recovery experience to help individuals when they are most vulnerable and need support.  This initiative ensures a continuum of care for individuals recovering from an overdose reversal.

NARCAN REBATE EXTENSION

The Christie administration reached a deal this summer with Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to extend for another year the ability for police departments and other public first responder entities to continue purchasing the opiate antidote Naloxone at a significant discount. Under that agreement, California-based Amphastar will continue to provide a $6 rebate for each Amphastar Naloxone syringe purchased.

Naloxone – often referred to by its most commonly known trade name Narcan – is an opioid antagonist drug used to reverse overdoses of heroin and other opiate-based narcotics. More than 500 law enforcement agencies across the state, including the New Jersey State Police, are now trained and equipped to administer the drug. Statewide, there were 7,222 deployments of Naloxone by law enforcement and EMS personnel in 2015. Law enforcement and EMS have deployed Naloxone more than 6,000 times so far this year.

In 2015, New Jersey became the third state to obtain a contractual commitment from Amphastar to provide discounts on Naloxone-related purchases. Under the new agreement struck with Amphastar, the Attorney General’s Office will continue to act as administrative conduit in the rebate process.

LEGACY OF FIGHTING ADDICTION

The initiatives announced today continue Governor Christie’s extensive efforts to combat the epidemic of opioid addiction, including: mandatory, statewide drug courts; expansion of New Jersey’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to include interstate data-sharing; statewide availability of the overdose reversal drug Naloxone (Narcan); a historic infusion of funding to expand capacity for behavioral health treatment; and formation of an Interim Management Entity (IME), a telephone hotline that provides access for the uninsured and those on Medicaid to addiction treatment.

Recently, the state’s Drug Monitoring Initiative at the Regional Operations and Intelligence Center earned national recognition by the National Governors Association and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy for its groundbreaking efforts to monitor drug activity in the state. Their work there has enabled law enforcement and public health experts to better understand the supply chain, trends, implications, and threats from illicit drug activity and to notify the public of potentially lethal batches of drugs in the region as overdoses are reported.

In addition, this year marks the second anniversary of the Governor’s creation of the Facing Addiction Task Force, a 12-member team of leaders and experts from inside and outside of government to fight drug addiction through treatment and prevention.  Led by Pastor Joe A. Carter of the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, the task force has been developing strategies to destigmatize, prevent and treat the disease of addiction with a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.

In July, Governor Christie along with 45 other governors, signed the National Governors Association’s Compact to Fight Opioid Addiction, committing to fight the epidemic. That compact urges the governors to take steps to raise awareness of opioids and addiction, reduce the inappropriate prescribing of painkillers and facilitate treatment and recovery for those already addicted.

“We have made impressive gains in this fight, and we know there is more work to be done,” added Governor Christie. “With these new initiatives and the alliance of the National Governors Association, we should be able to help more and more people break the cycle of addiction, to reclaim their lives and to improve the lives of all of us dealing with the consequences of opioid addiction in society.”

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The Dark Side of Hangover-Free Booze

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A synthetic called Alcosynth promises the positive effects of drinking without the nasty next-day consequences. Is it too good to be true?

AMELIA WARSHAW

09.27.16 1:00 AM ET

We’ve heard just about every hangover remedy in the book, from the age-old advice to drink a glass of water and take two aspirin before bed, to recommendations for the boozy “hair of the dog.” But what if a hangover could be avoided altogether?

According to Professor David Nutt of the Imperial College London, hangovers will be gone by 2050 thanks to a synthetic he patented known as “Alcosynth.”

“It will be there alongside the scotch and the gin. They’ll dispense the Alcosynth into your cocktail and then you’ll have the pleasure without damaging your liver and your heart,” he told The Independent.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/09/27/the-dark-side-of-hangover-free-booze.html

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The medical marijuana movement just got some really bad news

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By Susan K. Livio | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on August 11, 2016 at 7:28 AM, updated August 11, 2016 at 11:32 AM

TRENTON — The Obama administration will uphold the ban on researching the therapeutic benefits of marijuana, once again rebuffing requests to remove the plant from the list of the drugs, like heroin and cocaine, that are considered to be the most addictive and lacking medicinal value.

On Thursday, the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration will publish a notice in the Federal Register, a compilation of government rules, that will announce its decision to keep marijuana as a “schedule 1” drug, according to the Washington Post.

The decision will no doubt disappoint supporters who had hoped the federal government would finally allow research to determine cannabis’ potential. Half of the states in the nation, including New Jersey, as well as Washington D.C. permit the cultivation and sale of marijuana for medical purposes.

https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/08/feds_reject_petitions_to_allow_medical_research_on.html?ath=9c46bfc08d76232bb5a5e00eeaf0bfa2#cmpid=nsltr_strybutton

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With opioid addiction rising, experts eye medical marijuana

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By Michael Bielawski  /   May 31, 2016

 DRUG SWITCH: People addicted to opioids in Vermont may soon have the ability to use medical marijuana to combat their addiction.

With opioid addiction increasing at alarming rates, leaders are open to new ideas, including the use of medical marijuana to help mitigate the crisis.

“People are looking for creative solutions here,” said Kalev Freeman, a medical doctor who studies medicinal marijuana at the Phytoscience Institute in Montpelier. “Whether you are in Hardwick or Rutland or Burlington, we are seeing this all over the state, and really all over New England.”

According to the Vermont Department of Health, the number of people treated for prescription opioid abuse between 2010 and 2014 went up about 52 percent, from 1,946 to 2,971. During that same period, those receiving treatment for heroin abuse went up over 262 percent, from 623 to 2,258.

The numbers do not account for untreated drug abuse. According to a VTDigger special report in February, Chittenden County alone had 300 people waiting for treatment, with wait times averaging one year. The treatment is costly too: over $13 million in tax payer money was budgeted to fight the opioid epidemic in 2015.

Freeman, who is board-certified in emergency medicine, frequently sees the worst of the opioid crisis from inside emergency rooms.

“It’s gotten worse,” he said. “I moved here from Boston eight years ago, and I remember when I was working in their city hospital we saw a lot of heroin overdoses. When I moved to Vermont I said, ‘Well this is great, we won’t have this problem in Vermont.’ (But) over the last eight years it’s increased dramatically. It’s really different working today from seven or eight years ago.”

Freeman says he is seeing  opioid addicts turn to medical marijuana for help on their own initiative, and with some success.

“(The medical marijuana program) has been going on for about three years now, and over those years we have seen this group of patients who are using opioids already for chronic pain being referred to the medical marijuana dispensaries, and they are asking for help for getting off of pain meds.”

While medical marijuana use is commonly used to help alleviate chronic pain, Gov. Peter Shumlin is expected to sign a bill to broaden the scope of medical marijuana use which, according to Freeman’s interpretation, should include opioid addicts. It will not include clinical trials on patients due to FDA restrictions, but entities like Phytoscience will be able to experiment with the medical strains within their laboratories.

Willy Cats-Baril, a University of Vermont business professor and colleague of Freeman’s at Phytoscience Institute, says the bill will not only open up the market, but also expand the scope of research allowed.

“We were very happy about S.14,” said Cats-Baril. “Vermont has maybe the strictest medical marijuana program in the country. Comparatively speaking, the percentage of Vermonters that are on a medical marijuana program is the lowest in the country.”

He echoed Freeman’s sentiment that opioid addiction is an urgent situation.

“This opium epidemic is killing, I think, 1,500 people a year in New Hampshire. This is serious stuff,” Cats-Baril said. “Politicians are taking their head out of the sand here and addressing it because it is becoming a real major issue that is draining a tremendous amount of resources.”

State Rep. Chip Troiano, D-Stannard, a member of the House Committee on Human Services, has been advocating for better treatment for those suffering from opioid addiction. He acknowledged the avenue of using marijuana.

“I guess ‘treatment’ is the key word, because there are many who would say it’s not treatment, but … is kind of supplanting one substance use for another that is less damaging,” Troiano said.

“I think we should be ready to put any tool in the box that we can. It’s a real problem and we are spending tons of money on it. Anything that may have a positive impact on the treatment, I would support it.”

Contact Michael Bielawski at mbielawski@watchdog.org

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Prescription Savings as High as the Pollen Count

prescription-drugs
Don’t let your prescription costs get you down this allergy season. Save up to 75% on your prescription medications with New Jersey Drug Card.

April 24,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As a resident of New Jersey, you and your family have access to a statewide Prescription Assistance Program (PAP). Create and print your FREE discount prescription drug card coupon on www.newjerseydrugcard.com. This pharmacy coupon card will provide you with Rx medication savings of up to 75% at more than 68,000 pharmacies across the country including A&P, Pathmark, SuperFresh, Drug Basics, Kmart, Sav-on, Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, Genuardis, Stop and Shop, Target, ShopRite, Walmart, Wegmans, Weis, and many more. You can create as many coupons as you need. We encourage you to create and send to friends and family members via one of the many available options. This Coupon/Card is pre-activated and can be used immediately!

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Christie marks Narcan law anniversary, saying antidote has saved several thousand lives

sanitation truck ridgewood

file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page :Glen Rock Police Department uniformed patrol officer administered Narcan to the adult male driver of a Toyota Corolla

Governor Christie on Monday marked the second anniversary of a law that put a heroin overdose antidote in the hands of first-responders, observing that while no program is perfect, this one has saved several thousand lives. John C. Ensslin, The Record Read more

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The Ridgewood Police Department will once again participate in Operation Take Back with the DEA

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DEA OPERATION TAKE BACK – APRIL 30

The Ridgewood Police Department will once again participate in Operation Take Back with the DEA. Residents can bring any extra or expired prescription drugs to the Police Department on Saturday, April 30th from 10am to 2pm for safe disposal.  You are encouraged to participate in this program that will protect the water supply and our environment

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Are We Misdiagnosing Immaturity as ADHD?

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Perhaps pills shouldn’t be the go-to panacea.
Annie Holmquist | March 10, 2016

When it comes to hyperactivity disorders such as ADHD, there’s no debate that diagnoses are on the rise amongst America’s youth.

What is debated, however, is the best way to treat ADHD.

Until recently, it seemed that thrusting a pill at children was the standard treatment. But more experts are beginning to wonder if some ADHD cases can be reduced through efforts like behavioral modification therapy. Others are wondering if children just need time to grow and mature.

A new study in The Journal of Pediatrics seems to lend support to this idea.

https://www.intellectualtakeout.org/blog/are-we-misdiagnosing-immaturity-adhd

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The more cannabis you smoke, the more likely you are to be a loser, finds international study

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Persistent users likely to be lower paid and have relationship difficulties
Research found abusers ended up in a lower social class than their parents
Also more prone to be in less skilled, prestigious jobs and to run into debt
Study by Californian university followed children from birth up to age of 38

By ALEXANDER ROBERTSON FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 05:17 EST, 2 April 2016 | UPDATED: 11:19 EST, 2 April 2016

International research has revealed that the more cannabis you smoke, the more likely you are to be lower paid and have relationship difficulties.

The study followed children from birth up to the age of 38 and found people who smoked cannabis four or more days a week over many years ended up in a lower social class than their parents.

It also found that regular and persistent users ended up with lower-paying, less skilled and less prestigious jobs than those who were not regular cannabis smokers.

Financial, work-related and relationship difficulties were further experienced by those taking the drug, which worsened as the number of years of regular cannabis use progressed.

Read more: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3520257/The-cannabis-smoke-likely-loser-finds-international-study.html#ixzz44rE3VXZc

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Ridgewood Municipal Court Screening finds Marijuana

marijuana
February 9,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, On Thursday, February 4, Ridgewood Police officer Lt. Glenn Ender was screening individuals prior to entering municipal court. Mr. Labeat Cefa placed his personal belonging in a tray prior to passing through a metal detector. Among the personal items placed in the tray was a marijuana cigarette.

Mr. Labeat Cefa, is a 37-year-old Albanian immigrant and graduate from Ridgewood High School., was placed under arrest and issued a summons for possession of marijuana. He was released pending a future court date.

Police Records indicate Labeat has previous arrests, including for marijuana, in Florida, and was awaiting trial on grand larceny charges from this past October out of New York City. Unsure if he was contacted by the Alumni Association.

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Herointown, N.J.: The state’s heroin crisis in 9 startling statistics

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184,038 Number of patients admitted to New Jersey substance abuse treatment facilities for heroin or opioid abuse since 2010.

781 Number of heroin-related deaths in New Jersey in 2014, the fourth straight year the state saw an increase

By Stephen Stirling | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on December 15, 2015 at 6:38 AM, updated December 15, 2015 at 7:59 AM

The statistics on New Jersey’s heroin crisis are staggering, and paint a picture of a crisis that spreads far beyond overdoses and deaths.

Below are bullet points on just how far and wide heroin and opioid addiction reaches in the Garden State.

https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/12/herointown_nj_the_states_heroin_crisis_in_10_graph.html

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Inside heroin hell: NJ residents talk about heroin addiction at Paramus forum

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NOVEMBER 19, 2015, 7:27 PM    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015, 7:11 AM
BY ALLISON PRIES
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

PARAMUS – Gary M., of Park Ridge, clutched a packet of tissues in one hand as he dabbed tears from his cheek with the other.

Listening to a presentation at Bergen Community College, titled “Caught in the Web: Heroin Addiction” the 27-year-old personal trainer blended into the crowd of mostly 20-somethings who stopped into the all-day event between classes.

Then, he moved to take his seat at the panel, where he told the dozens of attendees inside the Moses Family Meeting and Training Center that a weight-lifting injury at 19 got him a prescription for Oxycodone.

“I loved it,” said Gary, who asked that his last name not be published because he is in recovery. “Pills became too expensive and heroin was a whole lot cheaper.”

The tale is one that resonates throughout New Jersey, said the event’s keynote speaker, Michael DeLeon, a Vineland man who has made it his mission to inform whoever will listen about the danger of drugs in general and the heroin epidemic.

Parents don’t start young enough in talking to their children about drugs and they don’t do it often enough, DeLeon said. By the time they’re doing heroin, “you have a problem you might not win,” he said.

DeLeon founded the non-profit Steered Straight back in 2000 after serving 12 years in jail for drug-related crimes.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/inside-heroin-hell-nj-residents-talk-about-heroin-addiction-at-paramus-forum-1.1459219