Substance Abuse

Topic

√ NY Agencies

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH): The DOHMH is responsible for promoting and protecting the health of all New Yorkers. It oversees various programs and initiatives related to substance abuse prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. Mayor’s Management Report

The NYC Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health

The NYC Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health, previously known as ThriveNYC, is an initiative aimed at addressing mental health and substance use issues across New York City. The office focuses on promoting mental well-being, preventing mental illness, and ensuring access to mental health care for all New Yorkers, particularly those who have historically been underserved by traditional mental health services.

New York City Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration (DSS/HRA)

DSS/HRA assists individuals and families in need through a variety of services, including substance abuse treatment programs. They also manage public benefits that can support those in recovery, such as housing assistance and food stamps. Mayor’s Management Report

New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS)

ACS is involved when substance abuse impacts families, particularly children. They work to ensure the safety and welfare of children, offering services that include substance abuse treatment for parents to promote family reunification and stability. Mayor’s Management Report

Office of the special Narcotics prosecutor for the city of New York

The mission of this office is to protect public safety and prevent overdose deaths by investigating and prosecuting high-level narcotics trafficking organizations and illicit prescription drug distribution networks, and by responding to community complaints about persistent drug activity and associated violence.

New York City Department of Correction

The New York City Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) offers several programs aimed at addressing substance abuse problems among inmates. Mayor’s Management Report

Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)

Although OASAS is a state agency, it plays a significant role in New York City’s approach to substance abuse. It oversees and funds a wide range of addiction treatment services, including prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

√ Reports

New York City Community Health Profiles

These are reports by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). The annual profiles provide a comprehensive overview of health indicators, including substance abuse, for various neighborhoods in New York City. The profiles highlight the prevalence of substance use, treatment access, and associated health outcomes.

New York City Opioid Quarterly Reports (DOHMH)

These quarterly reports focus specifically on the opioid epidemic in New York City. They provide data on opioid overdose deaths, naloxone administration, opioid-related hospitalizations, and other key indicators. The reports also highlight strategies and initiatives implemented to address the crisis.

New York State Opioid Annual Data Report

In this report, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) provides an overview of opioid-related morbidity and mortality across NYS.

Binge and Heavy Drinking New York State Adults

In New York State (NYS), excessive alcohol use causes nearly 6,700 deaths annually, resulting in an average of 24 years of potential life lost per death. Excessive alcohol use also results in economic costs and, in 2010, cost NYS an estimated $16.3 billion, or approximately $2.28 per drink.

NYC Youth Risk Behavior Survey

The survey’s primary purpose is to monitor priority health risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of mortality, morbidity and social problems among youth in the city. Included in the survey are questions about tobacco, alcohol and drug use.

SAMHSA: National Survey Of Substance Abuse Treatment Services

This report presents results from the 2020 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS), an annual census of facilities providing substance abuse treatment.

SAMHSA: National Survey on Drug Use and Health

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), conducted annually by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), provides nationally representative data on the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs; substance use disorders; mental health issues.

Drug Policy Alliance: Drug Facts

This NYC Comptroller report provides an overview of city budgeting and contracting to provide services for new arrivals.

Continuing Crisis Drug Overdose Deaths in New York

This NY Comptroller report outlines long-term trends and recent developments in the battle to save lives from being lost prematurely to substance use disorder.

New York City Community Health Profiles

New York City Opioid Quarterly Reports (DOHMH)

New York State Opioid Annual Data Report

In this report, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) provides an overview of opioid-related morbidity and mortality across NYS.

Binge and Heavy Drinking New York State Adults

NYC Youth Risk Behavior Survey

SAMHSA: National Survey Of Substance Abuse Treatment Services

This report presents results from the 2020 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS), an annual census of facilities providing substance abuse treatment.

SAMHSA: National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Drug Policy Alliance: Drug Facts

This NYC Comptroller report provides an overview of city budgeting and contracting to provide services for new arrivals.

Continuing Crisis Drug Overdose Deaths in New York

This NY Comptroller report outlines long-term trends and recent developments in the battle to save lives from being lost prematurely to substance use disorder.

√ Data sets

New York State Opioid Data Dashboard

The New York State Opioid Data Dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of opioid-related data, including overdose deaths, emergency department visits, treatment admissions, naloxone distribution, and more. The dashboard includes data specific to New York City, allowing for an in-depth analysis of the opioid crisis in the city.

Syndromic Surveillance System

The Syndromic Surveillance System collects data from emergency departments and other healthcare facilities in New York City. It includes information on drug-related emergency department visits, allowing for real-time monitoring and response to substance abuse-related events.

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a nationwide survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The survey collects data on various health behaviors, including substance abuse, among adults. New York City-specific data from the BRFSS provides insights into substance abuse patterns and trends.

National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Use these slides to explore substance use and mental health measures for particular populations in the United States. The slides are based on the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

OASAS: Addiction Data Bulletin

This bulletin provides an overview of the epidemiology of stimulant use and stimulant use disorder, including potential harms related to stimulant use and current evidence-based treatment options in New York.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment System Dashboard

This interactive dashboard provides a profile of the people receiving SUD treatment services overseen by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

Key Substance Use Disorder Indicators by County

A core dataset of Substance Use Disorder public health data indicators that compare county level population-based rates to statewide rates.

RAND: The Ecosystem Approach to Opioid Policy

The main contribution of this study is to identify opportunities at the intersections of the ecosystem’s components and highlight other cross-sector initiatives that could mitigate the harmful effects of opioids.

√ Data visualizations

Kaiser Family Foundation - Data Visualizations

KFF has series of data briefs with visualizations on the following: Alcohol and Drug Dependence Abuse Substance Use, Access to Mental Health/Substance Use Treatment, Alcohol-Induced, Drug and Opioid Death.s

Rockefeller: The Opioid Crisis in New York State

Maps that show opioid mortality and prescribing trends by county across New York State from 1999 to 2018, as well as the availability of treatment centers that provide medication-assisted treatment.

NYC Health Map

This map allows users to search for buprenorphine treatment, naloxone in pharmacy, and syringe services.

CDC: Nonfatal Overdose Dashboards

Three data dashboards describe nonfatal drug overdoses within the United States. Data includes: emergency department, inpatient hospitalization discharge and laboratory testing data.

SAMHSA - DATA VISUALIZATIONS

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Small Area Estimates is a tool that allows you to compare variables between states or substate regions, look at changes over time, or compare related issues.

SAMHSA: Behavioral Health Barometer New York

Indicators as measured through the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services. This report has a series of data visualizations on substance abuse in New York.

2022 Drug Trend Report: Time, Music, Clubbing, Age, and Diet

Global Drug Survey: A different way of looking at drugs. This 2022 report on the survey includes data visualizations on a wide range of drugs.

UNDOC: DRUGS AND AGE

This United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report addresses the range of drugs and drug markets which are expanding and diversifying as never before.

√ STATISTICS

New York fatal drug overdoses

2022, NYC Health

Adults Who Report Excessive alchohol use

NYC Health

Black New Yorkers ages 55 to 84

Per 100,000, NYC Health

Drug Overdoses

In 2022, 3,026 New Yorkers died of a drug overdose, a 12% increase from 2021 (2,696 deaths), and the highest number since reporting began in 2000. Source: NYC Health

Fentanyl in overdoses

In Calendar 2022, fentanyl was present in 81 percent of overdose deaths, making it the most common substance involved in overdose deaths. Source: NYC Health

Highest Overdose Rates

Black New Yorkers ages 55 to 84 years had the highest rate of overdose (110.6 per 100,000 residents) compared with Black New Yorkers in other age groups and compared with Latino/a and White New Yorkers of any age. Source: NYC Health

Alcohol Abuse

One in 6 adults in NYS (16.7%) reported excessive alcohol use in the form of either binge or heavy drinking. Source: NYS Health

New York fatal drug overdoses

2022, NYC Health

Adults Who Report Excessive alchohol use

NYC Health

Black New Yorkers ages 55 to 84

Per 100,000, NYC Health

Drug Overdoses

In 2022, 3,026 New Yorkers died of a drug overdose, a 12% increase from 2021 (2,696 deaths), and the highest number since reporting began in 2000. Source: NYC Health

Fentanyl in overdoses

In Calendar 2022, fentanyl was present in 81 percent of overdose deaths, making it the most common substance involved in overdose deaths. Source: NYC Health

Highest Overdose Rates

Alcohol Abuse

One in 6 adults in NYS (16.7%) reported excessive alcohol use in the form of either binge or heavy drinking. Source: NYS Health

√ Census & American Community Survey

Demographic Data

The Census and ACS provide detailed demographic information, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, and household composition. These demographic factors are often correlated with substance abuse patterns and can help identify vulnerable populations.

Socioeconomic Data

The Census and ACS collect data on income, poverty rates, education levels, employment status, and housing characteristics. These socioeconomic indicators are often linked to substance abuse prevalence and can help identify areas or groups with higher risk factors.

Health Insurance Coverage

The ACS collects data on health insurance coverage, including the type of coverage individuals have. This information can provide insights into access to healthcare and substance abuse treatment services.

Housing and Homelessness

The Census and ACS data include information on housing units, vacancy rates, and homelessness. Substance abuse issues can be intertwined with housing instability and homelessness, making this data relevant for understanding the broader context of substance abuse in NYC.

Disability Status

The ACS collects data on disability status, which can provide insights into the prevalence of substance abuse among individuals with disabilities and their access to appropriate treatment and support services.

Demographic Data

Socioeconomic Data

Health Insurance Coverage

Housing and Homelessness

Disability Status

√ Non-Profits

Partnership to End Addiction

This non-profit organization focuses on preventing substance abuse among youth and supporting families struggling with addiction. They provide resources, educational materials, and helpline services.

Odyssey House

This organization offers comprehensive treatment programs, including residential and outpatient services, to help individuals and families deal with substance abuse and mental health issues. They focus on a holistic approach to recovery, integrating physical, psychological, and social needs.

Phoenix House

Phoenix House provides a variety of services for those struggling with substance abuse, including inpatient, outpatient, and detoxification services. Their programs are designed to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety, as well as address underlying mental health conditions.

Samaritan Daytop Village

Samaritan Daytop Village focuses on providing individuals and families with integrated treatment services. They offer outpatient, residential, and adolescent services, emphasizing therapy and counseling to address substance abuse issues.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

With a location in New York City, this organization offers outpatient addiction treatment services, including individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy, using evidence-based practices to support recovery.

The Lower Eastside Service Center (LESC)

LESC provides comprehensive services for substance abuse, including detoxification, residential treatment, and outpatient programs. They also offer specialized services for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.

Bridge Back to Life Center, Inc.

This organization offers outpatient treatment programs, including individual counseling, group therapy, and family counseling for those dealing with substance abuse. They focus on a personalized approach to recovery.

Realization Center

Specializing in outpatient treatment, the Realization Center serves individuals, groups, and families affected by addiction and related mental health issues. They offer a wide range of therapies and programs designed to promote recovery.

√ Experts

Dr. Denise Paone - DOHMH

Dr. Paone is the Director of Research and Surveillance at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). She has extensive expertise in monitoring and analyzing data on substance abuse and plays a key role in shaping substance abuse policies and interventions in NYC.

Dr. Chinazo Cunningham - OASAS

Dr. Cunningham is an expert on substance use disorders and addiction medicine. She is the commissioner of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Her research focuses on improving substance use disorder treatment outcomes and reducing health disparities

Nabila El-Bassel - Columbia university

Dr. El-Bassel is a professor at Columbia University’s School of Social Work and co-directs the Social Intervention Group. Her research focuses on the intersection of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and interpersonal violence, particularly among vulnerable populations such as women and people who inject drugs.

Dr. Sharon Stancliff - Harm Reduction Coalition

Dr. Stancliff is Associate Medical Director, AIDS Institute, NYSDOH. She is a physician and the former Medical Director of the Harm Reduction Coalition, a leading advocacy organization focused on harm reduction approaches to substance abuse. She has expertise in opioid overdose prevention, naloxone distribution, and promoting evidence-based harm reduction strategies.

Dr. Don Des Jarlais - NYU

Dr. Des Jarlais is a leading expert in the field of substance abuse and infectious diseases. Jarlais is a leader in the fields of AIDS and injecting drug use has contributed significantly to research on harm reduction strategies, including syringe exchange programs.

Debra Pantin - Outreach

Debra Pantin is president and CEO of Outreach New York. Its programs are designed to address the needs of adolescents, adults, and families affected by substance abuse, offering a range of services from individual and group counseling to residential and outpatient care.

Dr. Marc Galanter - NYU

Dr. Galanter is a psychiatrist and addiction specialist at the NYU Langone Medical Center. He has written numerous books and articles on substance abuse treatment and recovery, including the concept of “mutual-help” groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

√ Journal Articles

"States Should Measure Opioid Use Disorder Treatment to Improve Outcomes "

The most effective treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) are medications: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.1 However, there are substantial gaps between the number of people who need these medications and those who receive them,2 and the United States continues to experience a devastating number of lives lost to the opioid epidemic.

"The kids aren’t alright: The effects of medical marijuana market size on adolescents"

Using hand-collected data on state medical marijuana patient rates to develop a novel measure of market size, the authors find that legal market growth increases youth marijuana use. Likely mechanisms are lower prices and easier access.

"Disparity in Naloxone Administration by Emergency Medical Service Providers and the Burden of Drug Overdose in US Rural Communities "

Naloxone is less often administered by EMT-basics, who are more common in rural areas. In most states, the scope-of-practice model prohibits naloxone administration by basic EMTs. Reducing this barrier could help prevent drug overdose death.

"A Look at Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment Facilities Across the U.S."

Factors like the decline in psychiatric beds, financing barriers, difficulty accessing outpatient treatment, and the growing workforce shortages have led to more reports of unmet needs and psychiatric boarding in emergency departments.

"Substance Use Issues Are Worsening Alongside Access to Care "

Amid the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States is also facing a worsening substance use crisis. More than one in ten adults have reported starting or increasing the use of alcohol or drugs to cope with the pandemic. Additionally, deaths due to drug overdose spiked during the pandemic, primarily driven by opioids.

"Buprenorphine Treatment Episodes During the First Year of COVID: a Retrospective Examination of Treatment Initiation and Retention"

Beneath the apparent stability of buprenorphine patient numbers during the pandemic, the flow of individuals receiving buprenorphine treatment changed substantially. The study’s findings shed light on how policy changes meant to support buprenorphine prescribing influenced prescribing dynamics during that period.

√ Key Issues

Opioid Epidemic

Like many other regions across the United States, New York City has faced an opioid epidemic. The misuse and addiction to prescription opioids, as well as the illicit use of opioids such as heroin and fentanyl, have led to a significant increase in overdose deaths and associated harms

Access to Treatment

One major issue has been ensuring sufficient access to substance abuse treatment services. Many individuals facing substance abuse disorders encounter barriers to accessing timely and appropriate treatment, including long wait times, limited availability of treatment programs, and lack of insurance coverage.

Harm Reduction Strategies

NYC has implemented harm reduction strategies to mitigate the adverse consequences of substance abuse. Issues such as needle exchange programs, naloxone distribution, and safe consumption sites have been areas of debate and discussion as part of harm reduction efforts.

Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders

Substance abuse often co-occurs with mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Addressing the complex relationship between substance abuse and mental health, and providing integrated care, has been a critical challenge.

Disparities and Equity

Substance abuse affects different populations disproportionately, with certain communities facing higher rates of substance abuse and related harms. Addressing disparities in access to treatment, prevention efforts, and support services is crucial to ensuring equity in addressing substance abuse.

Prescription Drug Misuse

The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs have been a growing concern in NYC. Efforts to monitor prescription drug prescribing, educate healthcare providers, and implement prescription drug monitoring programs have been vital to address this issue.

√ Social Media Accounts

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