Substance Abuse Problems and Programs in Newark: A Needs Assessment for Newark’s Fighting Back Initiative

This report describes the nature and extent of substance abuse problems in Newark, their effects on the community, and the programs and resources currently addressing them. Because it focuses primarily on the city’s problems, this report does not present a very flattering portrait. Indeed, some of the figures it contains are quite depressing. However, Newark is not alone in possessing these problems. Any city of significant size will have its own pockets of high-risk residents exhibiting many of the same problems of self-destructive behavior. What does set Newark apart is its determination to recognize these problems, and mobilize the resources to bring about change. The study was commissioned by the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Newark, the lead agency in the Newark Fighting Back Initiative. The objective of this initiative is to develop intensive, community-wide activities that will help reduce local drug use and its attendant problems.