20 N.J. Towns With Most Reported Alcoholism; Atlantic City, EHT On List

Early in 2014, Patch exposed the 20 communities in New Jersey with the largest number of reported heroin and opiate cases in 2012, the most recent year available. Now that Independence Day weekend is upon us, we look at the drug that is considered a gateway to many substance abuse problems: Alcohol.

Independence Day also has become the deadliest holiday weekend for alcohol-related traffic crashes - even ahead of New Year's Day. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that, during the July 4 holiday period from 2008 to 2012, 765 people lost their lives in crashes involving drivers with a BAC of .08 or more. These fatalities accounted for 40 percent of all motor vehicle traffic deaths during that same period, according to the report. 

We based this list on statistics provided by the Division of Addiction Services in the New Jersey Department of Human Services. The list shows the town and the number of cases reported in 2013, the most recent year available.

There are 565 towns in New Jersey. These communities make up the top 7 percent.