South Middlesex Times

A majority of New Jerseyans are at least “somewhat” familiar with storage and disposal of opioids and other medications, and less than 3 in 10 report that they or a loved one has been prescribed an opioid as pain medication in the past two years, according to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton Poll collaboration with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

"Sizeable familiarity with storage and disposal is likely due to state laws that require doctors to inform patients of the potential dangers of such medications and available alternatives, as well as PSAs from organizations like the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and the presence of drop boxes and other advertised disposable opportunities within communities," said Ashley Koning, an assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling (ECPIP) at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

"The percentage of New Jerseyans who claim they or a family member has been prescribed an opioid has significantly declined since we last polled the issue in 2018," said Koning. "New Jersey is now one of the states with the lowest opioid dispensing rates in the country."

"We are encouraged by the heightened awareness among New Jerseyans about the proper storage and disposal of medications, including opioids," said Angelo Valente, executive director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. "But the persistent misuse of opioids within our communities underscores the need to continue our education and prevention efforts. Every resident must be equipped with life-saving information on the addictive properties of their medications, proper disposal methods, and the availability of safer, non-addictive alternatives to manage pain."

Thirty-eight percent of respondents say they have a family member or close friend who is or has ever been addicted to drugs, while 59 percent say they don't.

"Results are from a statewide poll of 1,657 adults contacted through multiple modes, including by live interviewer on landline and cell phone, MMS text invitation to web and the probability-based Rutgers-Eagleton/SSRS Garden State Panel from Dec. 13 to Dec. 23," the article concludes.