Recent data bulletins estimate that around 2.8 million New Yorkers suffer from a substance use disorder (SUD). Reports also indicate that 6,300 died from overdosing on illicit drugs, which is about three times the number of alcohol-related fatalities.
Recognizing the problem and choosing treatment is the first step towards reducing the overdose risk.
Read on for insights into drug rehab programs in New York and tips for choosing the best treatment center.
Table of Contents
Key State-Level Drug Rehab Insights
Let’s start with key facts and figures of the commonly abused drugs and the admission rates:
Common Drugs
The NYC Health Department provides profiles for some of the most popular drugs, including K2 synthetic cannabinoids, bath salts, PCP, and ecstasy.
Overall, the use of stimulant drugs (cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines, etc.) in the state increased significantly between 2018 and 2022 (39.6% to 44.3%).
But here are other key insights:
- Heroin: Heroin use was the second most (23.9%) reported type of drug abuse in 2022, right behind alcohol addiction (45.9%).
- Fentanyl: This potent (30–50 times stronger than heroin!) opioid is increasingly found throughout New York City and has led to over 2,400 deaths in 2023.
- Cocaine: Six out of 10 drug overdose fatalities involve signs of recent cocaine use.
- Cannabis: The number of cannabis-related emergency department visits more than doubled from 2016 to 2023 (42.4 per 100,000 residents vs. 112.2 per 100,000).
Official drug checking reports also reveal that a sizable chunk of the drugs on the market have been contaminated (intentionally or unintentionally) with other substances.
For instance, out of 16 samples sold as MDMA or ecstasy, 8 contained MDMA only. Some of the remaining drug samples tested positive for traces of methamphetamine, cocaine, caffeine, or DMSO.
Similarly, only 20 samples out of 26 labeled as cocaine/crack contained cocaine only. The rest were contaminated with lidocaine, phenacetine, or nicotine.
Unfortunately, all of these insights highlight a growing need for drug addiction treatment services.
Rehab Admissions
SMAHSA reports that there were over 182,000 admissions to New York SUD recovery centers in 2022.
According to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), 39.5% of SUD admissions in 2022 were to outpatient treatment.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown by level of care:
| Program Type | Number of Admissions | Admission Percentage |
| Outpatient Programs | 70,661 | 39.5 |
| Residential Services | 13,930 | 7.8 |
| Inpatient Services | 34,633 | 19.3 |
Over the year, OASAS recorded 11,490 enrollments into opioid treatment programs as well.
And if we look at the stats by age, we can see that people aged 25–34 represented the most SUD admissions (26.4%). The 35–44 segment was a close second, at 26% of the admissions. Those under 25 years, however, represented the lowest number of rehab admissions (7.7%).
It’s also worth noting that those living in the Upstate New York region made up 47.2% of recovery center admissions. Next in line were New York City and Long Island residents, at 38.7% and 14.1%, respectively.
How to Find a Trustworthy Drug Rehab in New York
If you need help finding a reliable treatment center in New York, you can use the OASAS Provider and Program Search tool. The database includes outpatient services and inpatient treatment programs available throughout the state.
Long Island Treatment Center (LITC), for one, is listed on the database as a licensed outpatient treatment service provider.
The center’s behavioral health care program is also accredited by The Joint Commission, one of the largest and most rigorous accrediting bodies.
What to Look for in a Rehab Center
Selecting the right rehab is key to your wellbeing. Here are five things to look for:
1. Convenient Location
Some people may need to travel to an out-of-state for rehab.
However, finding a nearby treatment facility can help you cut on expenses, build a local support network, and schedule tours before enrolling yourself. You might even find it easier to find insurance coverage for local rehab.
Fortunately, LITC is conveniently located in Hicksville, serving Long Island as well as other communities in the greater New York City area.
2. Evidence-Based Therapeutic Interventions
Look for addiction treatment centers that rely on evidence-based therapeutic options for their programs.
LITC offers a number of research-backed therapies, such as:
- Individual therapy.
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
3. Individualized Treatment Approaches
The Department of Health recognizes a few essential elements for treatment of substance abuse. And one of those core elements is the use of individualized plans.
It’s not enough to just tailor the addiction treatment plan at the start of the process, either. Healthcare providers have to be open to the idea of modifying the plan as the patient progresses.
At LITC, we understand the importance of selecting the right level of care for each step along the way. Our treatment service range includes outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and partial hospitalization.
Overall, outpatient treatment is a good choice for patients who need to step down from a residential program. It’s also suitable for people who don’t need the sort of round-the-clock care that inpatient rehab offers.
4. Holistic Drug Treatment Programs
The right treatment center should also take the whole individual and their wellness into account—not just their substance abuse history.
After all, research shows that 36.5% of people suffering from an SUD are dual-diagnosis patients. Dual diagnosis, in this context, means that they have a co-occurring mental health condition. Anxiety, PTSD, and depression are all common co-occurring disorders
You also want to opt for a facility that keeps family members and friends involved in the holistic treatment plan. This way, it’s easier to build a support network of peers and loved ones.
5. Lasting Recovery Support
Drug addiction is a chronic medical condition. To maintain your sobriety, you need a solid aftercare plan.
So, make sure to ask your treatment providers about your options (sober living, support groups, etc.) after the detox and rehab phases are over.
Contact Long Island Treatment Center and Start Your Recovery Journey Today
There’s no denying that New York State has a drug abuse crisis. But there are also treatment centers ready to help put people on the road to recovery.
Our team is here 24/7 to take calls and answer questions. So, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information regarding recovering from different drug addictions.
Locations
- Drug Rehab in Brentwood, New York
- Drug Rehab in Garden City, New York
- Drug Rehabilitation in Nassau County, New York
- Drug Rehab in Farmingville, New York
- Drug Rehab in Hempstead, New York
- Yonkers Drug and Alcohol Rehab
- Drug Rehab in Hicksville, New York
- Alcohol & Drug Rehab Levittown, NY
- Alcohol and Drug Rehab Freeport, NY
- Alcohol & Drug Rehab in Massapequa, NY
- Alcohol & Drug Rehab Westbury, NY