Addiction Resources in New York City

New York City has distributed more than 440,000 naloxone kits since January 2023 and operates the only legally authorized Overdose Prevention Centers in the United States. Whether you are in crisis right now, researching options for a family member, or not yet ready to call a treatment advisor — the resources on this page are free, confidential, and available immediately.

Crisis Lines and Immediate Help

If you or someone you know is in a life-threatening situation, call 911 immediately. For substance use crises that are not immediately life-threatening, these lines are staffed 24 hours a day:

Naloxone (Narcan) in New York City

Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. In New York State, it is available without a prescription. Here is how to get it in New York City:

• NYC pharmacies: Most chain and independent pharmacies in New York City carry naloxone and are required to dispense it without a prescription. Ask the pharmacist directly — it is typically available at no cost with a patient assistance program or for a low copay with insurance.
• Syringe service programs (SSPs): NYC operates multiple syringe service programs that distribute naloxone, provide training on how to use it, and offer referrals to treatment. No ID or insurance required.
• NYC Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs): Two locations distribute naloxone and offer training:
  • 360 W. 125th St., Harlem (Manhattan)
  • 126 E. 174th St., Bronx
• Vending machines: NYC DOHMH has installed naloxone vending machines at multiple locations across the five boroughs — accessible at any hour.

Harm Reduction Services in NYC

Harm reduction services meet people where they are — without requiring abstinence or enrollment in a treatment program as a precondition for help.

• Syringe service programs (SSPs): SSPs provide clean syringes, naloxone, fentanyl test strips, wound care supplies, and referrals to treatment. No cost, no ID required. The NYC DOHMH maintains a locator at nyc.gov.
• Overdose Prevention Centers: The two OPCs at 360 W. 125th St. (Harlem) and 126 E. 174th St. (Bronx) allow people to use pre-obtained substances under direct medical supervision. Staff can respond immediately to an overdose and connect individuals with treatment services.
• NYC Relay Program: An emergency department-based program that connects people who have experienced a nonfatal overdose to peer support specialists and treatment programs while they are still in the hospital. The Relay Program has served more than 9,883 individuals across NYC hospitals between 2017 and 2023.
• Fentanyl test strips: Free test strips are distributed through many harm reduction programs and SSPs citywide. They allow people to test their drug supply for fentanyl before using.

Finding Inpatient Treatment in New York City

When harm reduction is not enough — or when someone is ready to stop using entirely — inpatient treatment is the next step. Here is how to find licensed programs:

• OASAS Treatment Locator: New York State's official treatment finder at findaddictiontreatment.ny.gov lists licensed inpatient, residential, and outpatient programs across New York State. You can filter by location, substance, and insurance type.
• Placement assistance for PPO insurance holders: For adults with private PPO insurance, a placement advisor can verify your benefits, identify programs that accept your plan, and coordinate admission — often within 24 to 48 hours. Call (347) 774-4506 for a free, confidential consultation.

Inpatient addiction treatment typically involves two phases: medically supervised detox (managing withdrawal safely) followed by structured residential rehab (therapy, relapse prevention, dual diagnosis treatment, and aftercare planning). Learn more on the inpatient drug rehab page.

How to Verify Your Insurance for Rehab

One of the most common reasons people delay seeking treatment is uncertainty about cost and insurance coverage. Under federal law (the Affordable Care Act), mental health and substance use disorder treatment must be covered by all ACA-compliant insurance plans at parity with medical and surgical benefits.

Under New York State law, insurers cannot require preauthorization for inpatient substance use disorder treatment at in-network OASAS-licensed facilities. That means coverage cannot be denied for reasons of medical necessity review before admission. (Source: NYS Department of Financial Services.)

To verify what your specific plan covers:

• Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask specifically about inpatient substance use disorder treatment benefits — both in-network and out-of-network.
• Or call (347) 774-4506. A placement advisor can verify your PPO benefits for free in approximately 15 minutes and explain exactly what your plan covers, including deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

For a detailed breakdown of insurance coverage for rehab, see: Does Insurance Cover Drug Rehab in New York City?

For current data on NYC's overdose crisis, see the NYC Overdose Statistics page.