You may have heard of Monmouth County, New Jersey because of Monmouth University. Monmouth County is a central New Jersey county. It is located in proximity to New York City and the Jersey Shore. There are many fun places and activities to see and do (e.g. Sandy Hook, Asbury Park, Belmar, and Manasquan). The population of around 600,000 is pretty well-to-do because it is the area that has the fifth-highest income in the state.
Despite being a sprawling territory, Monmouth County has fallen victim to the heroin epidemic. Though heroin is prevalent throughout the country and New Jersey, heroin is even more rampant in Monmouth County due to a variety of factors.
- The high income level makes it easier to afford a drug habit. Many of the people were able to afford a pain killer addiction, and then they switched to heroin when the pain killer addiction increased to the point that it was too expensive.
- Lack of addiction and substance use education in the community and schools.
- Proximity to a college campus, where mind-altering, mood-altering substances are prevalent.
- Proximity to the Jersey Shore. The supply of drugs is shipped in via the Atlantic Ocean.
- Proximity to Camden, New Jersey and Newark, New Jersey, which are two top drug, crime, and poverty cities in the country.
The Statistics Shows the Severity
Monmouth County has been seeing an increasing number of heroin deaths since 2012.
- 2012: 88 deaths.
- 2014: 104 deaths.
- 2015: 122 deaths.
- 2016: 164 deaths.
Monmouth County is the area that has the second-highest number of heroin-related deaths in New Jersey. The law enforcement says those who are dying are of all ages, races, and income levels. Monmouth County is proof that addiction does not discriminate and that heroin is no longer strictly an inner-city issue.
There is hope for Monmouth County, the rest of the country, and all individuals who are affected by addiction. Seacrest Recovery Center is a Florida-quality addiction rehab center that is located in Eatontown, New Jersey, which is a town in Monmouth County. They are low-cost and committed to proving individualized addiction treatment. If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, call them today at their 24/7 helpline at (833) 762-3765 to discuss entering treatment or general questions about addiction and recovery.