New York City is facing a drug overdose crisis. Every three hours, someone dies of an overdose in NYC. Substances like fentanyl and xylazine make the drug supply unpredictable and increase the risk of overdose and other harms of drug use.
Overdose death is preventable. What you know can help save a life. Learn about the services and resources below to help keep your community safe.
- Help prevent overdose by making an overdose safety plan (PDF)
Other Languages: Español - What is xylazine? (PDF)
New York City has many free and low-cost services for people who use drugs or alcohol. In addition to the listings below, you can contact NYC Well 24/7.
Many people are unaware of the variety of services available to protect the health of people who use alcohol or drugs. The terms below are not mutually exclusive, and the services are often used to complement each other.
Harm Reduction Services
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm reduction programs offer easily accessible, anonymous services for people who actively use drugs, those interested in recovery, and their family members.
These programs prioritize the health and well-being of their participants and include an array of educational, rehabilitation, care coordination and outreach components that meet participants where they are and provide person-centered, non-judgmental services.
Learn more from the National Harm Reduction Coalition.
Peer-Based Services
A peer is anyone who has personally experienced substance misuse and/or addiction and who works with others from the community in order to improve quality of life. Peers work with syringe exchanges, recovery centers, alumni groups, mutual support groups including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and more. For more information, see our Peer Services and Resources page.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
Medications like methadone and buprenorphine are prescribed by a health care professional and are the gold standard of treatment for opioid use disorder. These medications have long been shown to reduce a person’s risk of overdose, HIV, Hepatitis and other bloodborne diseases. Learn more: Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder.
State Certified Treatment Programs
Other treatment and recovery services are available throughout New York State, including in NYC. These include inpatient residential programs and outpatient services catered to the needs of the individual. To find services, visit the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard.
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