Addiction Treatment in New York City
Most often, people in New York City check into rehab for a heroin addiction, but the number of people getting help for other addictions is also on the rise. New York City has many treatment programs sprawled throughout each borough and areas just outside the city.
New York City has rehabs that can fit anyone’s treatment needs and budget, from deluxe outpatient programs to state-funded residential facilities.
Some New Yorkers choose to travel out of the city for a change of environment more conducive to recovery. From New Jersey to Upstate New York, there are many top drug rehabs within driving distance of NYC.
Should I Travel Outside New York City for Treatment?
Most people associate certain people and places with their addiction. Leaving behind the fast-paced environment of the city, at least for the duration of treatment, is a good way to get out of a setting that can trigger a relapse. Traveling outside the city can allow those with an addiction to fully focus on building a sober life.
Drug Abuse in New York City
Rates of drug abuse are typically higher in urban city centers. With New York City being the largest metropolitan area in the U.S., it’s no surprise that addiction affects many of its residents. Among illicit drugs, cocaine and marijuana are widely abused, but it’s heroin abuse that is one of the city’s greatest struggles.
New York City has the largest market for heroin in the country. In 2014, law enforcement seized approximately $300 million worth of heroin in drug busts. In 2013 and 2014, deaths from heroin started outpacing murder rates, a new development in the Big Apple.
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Addiction and Drug Abuse Statistics in NYC
26
percent
In 2014, 26 percent of treatment admissions in NYC were for heroin addiction.
700
deaths
There are approximately 700 accidental overdose deaths each year in NYC.
2x
opioid deaths
Between 2005 and 2012 the rates of opioid poisoning deaths doubled.
Addiction Treatment Services in NYC
The City of New York has an abundance of resources and services for addicted people. The ultimate goal for these services is to prevent drug deaths and help people in the city get sober. Some of the services available to New Yorkers include:
Syringe Exchanges
Of those who sought treatment for a heroin addiction in 2014, roughly 43 percent used the drug intravenously. NYC provides access to clean syringes for intravenous drug users to protect them from transmittable diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. New cases of HIV among intravenous drug users in NYC has dropped by 95 percent in the last 20 years thanks to programs like these.
Overdose Prevention
Because of the high number of accidental overdose deaths, the city provides overdose rescue kits with naloxone for those addicted to heroin or other opiates. Naloxone blocks the effects of opiate drugs and acts as an effective antidote for those who have overdosed.
Harm Reduction Services
NYC has harm reduction services providing educational programs for anyone — including those actively using drugs and their family members. Through these programs, people learn how to prevent harm from drug use, such as overdose and disease transmission.
Maintenance Medication
New York City has clinics to help those with an opiate addiction relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The city provides buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone to those who need it. Each of those medications act on the same brain receptors as opiates, which helps addicted people function without their drugs of abuse.
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment
The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) has state-funded residential facilities in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx. This is a good option for New York residents who can’t find affordable treatment. These treatment centers accept people based on certain criteria, such as having a co-occurring mental health disorder or needing 24-hour supervision. OASAS also has outpatient treatment centers in the city.
Get Help During COVID-19
With just 30 days at a rehab center, you can get clean and sober, start therapy, join a support group, and learn ways to manage your cravings.
Find Help in Your City Now
There are many options available for people living in New York City. Whether you have questions about treatment or are looking for a specific rehab, there is someone who can help. Our addiction providers can walk you through all your options, including rehabs located in NYC and rehabs out of state. Contact a treatment provider today.
