Drug abuse in New York

New York has a population of 19,835,913 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 3,214,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 16.20% of the population. 2,964,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 3,988,000 in the past year. The report also found that 524,000 New York residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 176,000 had abused meth, and 761,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 212,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in New York totaled 794,000 people.

Alcohol abuse in New York

Alcohol misuse was also reported in New York with 8,473,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 4,166,000 reporting binge drinking. The perceived risk of people over 12 years of age indulging in problematic alcohol use (5 or more drinks twice a week) in a month was 7,796,000 people.

Overdose deaths in New York

In 2021, New York saw a total of 5613 recorded drug-related overdose deaths. This includes those that were accidental or unidentifiable but excludes those that were related to suicide or homicide. This puts the overdose death toll in New York at 28.3 people per 100,000. The total number of alcohol related deaths (including overdose and all other causes) was 1901 or 9.6 per 100,000 people.

Substance use disorders and treatment in New York

The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in New York and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 3,219,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 2,201,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 393,000 people were recorded as having an opioid use disorder including those with painkiller, heroin, and other opioid-based drug use disorders. There are also many who have been diagnosed with or reported a substance, illicit drug, or alcohol use disorder that require rehab treatment and are not receiving it. The report found that 1,354 people in New York needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 2,117,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 3,074,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.

What treatment options are available in New York?

Modern medicine and therapy have allowed for a number of innovations in drug and alcohol rehab treatment. In the past, treatment was much more self-driven, and individuals were expected to manage addiction by themselves. 

Now, there are a number of options to seek help with addiction through clinics, hospitals, and other private practitioners. There are now several types of treatment for substance abuse and behavioral addictions, and it can be overwhelming for people trying to navigate these systems. It is important to find the right treatment for your addiction, as it will give you the best outlook for recovery.

Here are some examples of treatment options that are available in New York:

How do I pay for rehab New York?

The first question on many people's minds when trying to access rehab is the potential cost - this is a factor in all medical procedures, but due to the comprehensive treatment that rehab provides, it is an especially important consideration. In inpatient rehab, you are given accommodation, food, medication, and more - and the cost of this can quickly add up.

Paying for rehab is a flexible process with several options available. In some cases, you may not need to pay much at all. If you have health insurance, through a family or employer plan, you can pay for rehab this way.

Without insurance, you have other options. Medicare and Medicaid programs can partially or fully fund rehab treatment. You may need to pay a single deductible fee, and with this, you will have access to a full spectrum of addiction treatment.

What happens after rehab?

When you finish your treatment of rehab, it’s normal to feel a lot of pressure and doubt about entering long-term recovery - so the aftercare that rehab provides is essential. Many treatment facilities have systems in place to help you after you leave the facility. A support plan and contacts list will likely be given to you as well as access to local support groups and therapy options. If you are not returning to a fixed address after treatment, you may be given access to accommodation options as well as career advice if needed. You will also be given a phone number to contact if you relapse or require extra information, counsel, or treatment.

How does the addiction assessment process work?

Your needs and the best way for a service to help you will be evaluated by an initial assessment. You must go through an examination the first time you use any New York drug or alcohol service, whether it is for free or not. Inquiries about your substance usage and general well-being will be made, to get the bigger picture of your relationship with substance abuse. Additionally, you will need to give a urine sample, and sometimes blood work will be done.

Local government assistance for addiction treatment in New York

Did you know that your local New York government can help you with drug and alcohol addiction? There are several free and accessible programs across the state that aim to help individuals to manage their addiction and encourage them to seek help. Many of these resources can also be accessed online. Here is a list of local government assistance options for addiction that may interest you.

Office of Addiction Services and Supports -  A comprehensive system of addiction support available in New York. Resources include payment help for treatment, advice for families, and training for rehab practitioners. 

Uninsured Care Programs - Dedicated help for uninsured individuals to access drug and alcohol support. There are many free options for treatment and rehab that don’t require health insurance to access.