New York Summary:
Where upstate New York is rural and spread out, New York City is the city that never sleeps, boasting a robust theater scene, restaurants, fashion and a sea of metropolitan entertainment. In addition to its illustrious history and background, it also has approximately 18 million potential drug customers. The port of New Jersey/New York is the largest port on the east coast and ideal for drug trafficking. Approximately 1 million New York City dwellers struggle with addiction.
New York sees its fair share of cocaine and crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, MDMA , methamphetamines, alcohol and prescription drugs. New York has a higher heroin use and abuse rate than west coast states, and its use increases in upstate New York. In fact, heroin abuse is the most widely admitted drug addiction in rehab.
That said, New York also has a robust structure for treatment, including over 600 different facilities and addiction and treatment centers throughout the state that accept Medicaid. This, combined with progressive laws, provides both coverage and hope for those with drug abuse, addiction disorders, and other substance abuse issues.
Quick New York statistics:
- New York state population: 19.75 million
- Number of people in New York with a mental illness: 1 in 5
- Number of people in New York who abuse alcohol and/or drugs: more than 1 million
- Although in New York heroin remains the top drug, prescription drug abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in America. New York has seen an increase of opioid analgesic use, including an increase in deaths
(Source: Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration)
Alcoholism in New York
Over 135,000 New York City residents are admitted to treatment centers for alcohol treatment annually. According to Chairman and CEO of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), 15% of New Yorkers drink alcohol excessively, and excessive drinking is most common among Manhattan residents.
This means that it's estimated that in New York city alone, $213 million is spent on alcohol-related emergencies and hospital visits. Over 40% of New York adults who check into a public substance abuse program list alcohol as their primary substance of abuse. Just over one third of this population are the adult children of alcoholics.
Addiction to alcohol is a serious health condition that can lead to accompanying health issues like anemia, cancer, cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis, dementia, depression, gout, and more.
New York has a plethora of treatment centers for those struggling with alcoholism. One such luxury rehab private facility is the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation , which specializes in the treatment of mental health, substance, drug and alcohol abuse. They offer medical detox, individual therapy, and peer-based group therapy.
Phoenix House - Academy on Long Island is a payment-assisted facility on Long Island. Their alcohol treatment center serves young men struggling with drug or alcohol addiction or abuse. In addition to substance abuse treatment, they have a fully accredited, on-site academic program where clients can catch up on their studies or earn credits towards a high school diploma. They also offer various therapy models, including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma therapy, and life skills, as well as a 12-step program and family programs.
In addition to formal treatment centers, the population density in New York City means it's generally easy to find a 12-step program meeting (like Alcoholics Anonymous) close by.
Drug Abuse in New York
According to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), 1.9 million New Yorkers struggle with a substance abuse problem. Specifically, 1.77 million adults and 156,000 young adults from the age of 12-17 suffer from drug addiction.
Heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and opioids are the most prevalent in drugs consumed in New York, with heroin continuing to be the number one drug. There is also a high rate of gambling in young adults, an issue that affects 1 out of every 10 youth.
Treatment options for drug abuse include both luxury as well as state-run and other payment-assisted facilities. One such luxury rehab facility is the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Tribeca Twelve , a private rehab facility in New York , New York. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Tribeca Twelve specializes in the treatment of mental health, substance, drug and alcohol abuse. It offers inpatient, intensive outpatient, outpatient, intervention services, and dual diagnosis treatment. They offer a variety of therapies including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a modality that has been shown to greatly improve the emotional regulation of those struggling with self-harm behaviour and mental illness.
Angelo Melillo Center for Mental Health - Chemical Dependency Services is a private rehab located in Glen Cove , New York. They focus on opiate addiction, alcohol, and mental health and substance abuse treatment. Rehab services include medically assisted detox and Buprenorphine detox treatment, which helps rid the body safely of opioids such as heroin. Vivitrol is also used for addiction recovery as an aid to suppress cravings. They offer services to men and women, adults, children, and teens. They also have bilingual (Spanish) therapists and staff, and a dedicated program for postpartum women.
Mental Health in New York
Mental illnesses are biologically-based brain disorders/medical conditions that disrupt a person's feelings, thought processes, and daily functioning in the world.
About 5 million people struggle with mental illness in New York, 1 million of whom have had serious thoughts of suicide within the last year. Mental illnesses include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders like Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and more.
New York has a number of facilities targeting specific demographics with mental health disorders. For example, Monte Nido - Manhattan is a private rehab located in New York, New York. Monte Nido - Manhattan specializes in the treatment of mental health, offering inpatient as well as intensive outpatient (IOP) services, as well as a wide range of therapeutic modalities. These include Equine Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, Nutrition Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, and eating disorder treatment.
Syracuse Veterans Affairs - Behavioral Health Outpatient is a public rehab located in Syracuse , New York and focuses on helping those recovery from mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. In addition to individual therapies offered at this facility, they offer couples therapy to help support the relationship and sobriety, as well as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
How Much Does Rehab Cost in New York?
The cost of rehab varies. Both private and public insurance policies cover substance abuse treatment to varying degrees. Basically, certain facilities will accept certain forms of insurance, while others may not. Contact your insurance provider and ask about substance abuse disorder treatment options in your area. You can also research treatment providers in your area and ask what kind of insurance they accept.
If you don't have insurance, try to find sliding scale programs or state funded programs in Rehab.com. There are hundreds of treatment programs with payment plans and other financing options within the state of New York that can help.
New York also has a number of treatment facilities that accept Medicaid and are available only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group recognized by federal and state law. Medicaid sends payments directly to the drug rehab center where you seek treatment. Depending on state's rules in New York, you may also be asked to pay a small part of the cost (co-payment) for some addiction treatment services.
There are over 600 different facilities and addiction and treatment centers throughout the state of New York that accept Medicaid, so there is a great deal of help available to people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
Under a new proposed plan by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicaid may begin covering 15 days of inpatient addiction treatment per month. Inpatient rehab would be covered for anyone enrolled in a Medicaid managed care plan.
The Medicaid Helpline can be reached at: (800) 541-2831.
How Long is Inpatient Alcohol or Drug Rehab?
Much depends on the individual coming into rehab, their diagnosis and situation. However, in general, alcohol rehab programs require a minimum stay of 28-30 days at the rehab facility. A person may stay 60-90 days, and almost never longer than 3 months. Long-term inpatient alcohol rehab can last from three months to a year.
The length of inpatient drug rehab programs can range from 28-90 days. Although they vary based on the individual, one of the most important elements to have in place is a solid aftercare program prior to leaving the facility.
How Do I Find a Rehab Center?
If you are struggling with substance abuse, there are hundreds of treatment facilities within the state of New York that can help. Rehab.com has the most comprehensive information on rehab facilities in the state of New York.
New York: Looking Ahead
Like many other states, New York state has a substantial substance abuse landscape. In both upstate New York as well as New York City, people struggle with alcohol, heroin, and prescription drug addiction, as well as other substance abuse disorders.
However, New York is also a strongly progressive state in many ways, with the mayor of New York City and the state's governor known for creativity and energy when it comes to addressing social problems. New York has and will continue to provide opportunities for those seeking treatment to do so quickly and affordably. Whether to address an alcohol addiction, mental health issue, or drug addiction, where help is needed, help will be provided.
