Some of the Facts...

Alongside general state-level concerns, Methadone.org states that New Jersey experienced over 2,500 overdose deaths in 2023, which is a sign of ongoing risk in youth and adult substance use trends.

According to the 2023 New Jersey Substance Use Overview, Union County continues to see thousands of annual treatment admissions related to substance use disorders, highlighting the importance of early prevention efforts.

Some of the points to be highlighted from this report include:

Alcohol misuse: ~33% of treatment admissions
Heroin use: ~41% of treatment admissions
Marijuana: ~14% of treatment admissions
Admissions were highest among young adults aged 18–25
Nearly 80% of admissions were voluntary/self-referral or court-mandated, showing both need and engagement

"21 Means 21" Law

Under both federal and New Jersey law, 21 is the minimum age for purchase, possession, and consumption of alcohol. This is commonly enforced via the “21 Means 21” campaign to prevent underage drinking and local compliance violations. Use of alcohol below 21 is linked to an increased risk of impaired judgment, cognitive delays, addiction, and unsafe behaviors.

You may have seen some of CPAW's signs around town reminding the community on the importance of this.

Mental Health & Social Media

Spending more than 3 hours a day on social media doubles a teen’s risk for anxiety and depression, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory.

A 2025 study (JAMA Network Open) tracking 12,000 tweens found that a sharp rise in social media use was linked to:

A 35% increase in depressive symptoms
Double the risk of suicidal thoughts and substance use among those experiencing cyberbullying (Washington Post)

According to Pew Research, nearly 1 in 5 teens say social media negatively impacts their mental health, school performance, or sleep.

Why This Matters For Cranford

When teens feel overwhelmed, isolated, or targeted online, they may be more likely to turn to alcohol, vaping, or other substances to cope.

CPAW addresses this by creating healthy, real-life alternatives that strengthen family connection and emotional resilience:

Family Game Nights that offer tech-free time for bonding and fun
Community events and workshops that encourage safe habits and open communication
Resources for parents and caregivers on how social media, stress, and substance use are linked

By promoting positive choices and offering engaging, offline activities, we help Cranford youth build the confidence and support they need to stay substance-free.