Mercer County, NJ Drug Statistics & Addiction Data 2024

Mercer County Treatment Admissions 2024

In 2024, 3,756 Mercer County residents were admitted to substance use disorder treatment. Trenton City was the source of 1,951 admissions — 52% of the county total. Hamilton Township followed with 615 admissions (16%), Ewing Township with 224 (6%), and Lawrence Township with 110 (3%). Primary substances: alcohol (35%), heroin/opioids (34%), cocaine/crack (11%), other opiates (9%). Source: NJDHS NJSAMS 2024 (nj.gov).

Mercer County Overdose Death Rate

Mercer County's age-adjusted overdose death rate stands at 33.3 per 100,000 — meaningfully above the NJ state average, which itself is 53% above the national average. The county's Overdose Fatality Review Team (OFRT) has been tracking circumstances and drivers of overdose deaths monthly since 2020. Key drivers include housing instability (21% of those seeking treatment are experiencing homelessness), high-unemployment populations, and the proliferation of fentanyl and xylazine in the local drug supply. Source: Trenton Health Team; WFMH.

New Jersey Statewide Overdose Context

New Jersey recorded 1,803 suspected drug overdose deaths in 2024 — a decline from 2,778 in 2023 and a 2021 pandemic peak of 3,047. Fentanyl is involved in approximately 78% of NJ overdose deaths. New Jersey's overdose rate remains 53% above the national average. Essex County (309 deaths) and Camden County (206 deaths) recorded the highest totals in 2024. Source: OCSME (betterliferecovery.com); NJDOH; NJDOH SUDORS (wfmh.org).

Demographics of Mercer County Treatment-Seeking (2024)

Of the 3,756 Mercer County residents who sought treatment in 2024: 74% were male, 26% female. Age group 35–44 was the most common (28%), followed by 45–54 (21%) and 30–34 (17%). Racial breakdown: White non-Hispanic 41%, Black non-Hispanic 42%, Hispanic 16%. 21% were experiencing homelessness at time of admission. 56% were not in the labor force. 58% had a co-occurring mental health condition. Source: NJDHS NJSAMS 2024 (nj.gov).

Harm Reduction Resources in Mercer County

Naloxone is available free at 650+ NJ pharmacies through the Naloxone365 initiative — no prescription needed for anyone age 14 or older (call 1-877-4NARCAN or request by mail). Mercer County has authorized Harm Reduction Centers under the NJDOH statewide expansion. The Trenton Health Team operates the Harm Reduction+ Resource Finder (trentonhealthteam.org) mapping substance use and mental health resources in Mercer County. NJ's Good Samaritan Law (N.J.S.A. 2A:62A-1) protects bystanders who call 911 during an overdose from prosecution.