Ways to Treat Drug Addiction in New York

New York is known as the ‘greatest city’ in the world. As such, it has a vibrant culture with different people from all walks of life. New York City was ranked number 15 in the nation for overdose-related deaths. Some of the drugs commonly abused include prescription painkillers, opioids, heroin, and other illicit drugs. Regardless of the social status, alcohol and drugs are a real threat to lives and families in New York. For this reason, some rehabilitation centers in NY have been put in place to treat the effects of drug abuse. Treatment ranges from full-service rehabilitation to local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Decriminalization of drug use

New York State plans on looking at drug use as a public concern as opposed to criminal activity. The only criminals that will be penalized are those supplying and selling drugs on the streets. Some counties like Massachusetts have adopted this strategy, and fantastic results have been realized. Decriminalization of drug possession and use led to people willingly walking to police stations and handing over their equipment and supplies and asked for help. This strategy takes away the powers of drug dealers and instead empowers users. They can willingly surrender their drugs and seek help without fear of being persecuted. Additionally, this strategy is meant to reduce a load of addicts that frequently flock rehabilitation centers in NY, spend some time only to relapse later.

Several rehabilitation centers in New York have sprung up due to their increased demand. Drugs especially opioids like heroin and fentanyl have wreaked havoc to people in NY and therefore need for these facilities has increased. A proper drug rehabilitation center should be able to offer services like a wide range of evidence-based addiction treatment, tailor care programs to specific needs and goals and are well staffed with experienced clinical and medical professionals among other benefits. They also offer individual and group opportunities for cognitive-based healing and therapeutic learning. 

Hire a NY-based interventionist

Since New York has a defined people specific to it, their drug epidemic is also unique compared to other parts of the country. As such, an addict needs an interventionist that understands what’s going on with current epidemics and local issues. These interventionists work with local forces to appreciate the root cause of the problem. This way, a standard intervention specific to the addiction can be formulated.

Choosing a rehabilitation center

One of the ways to treat drug addiction is to realize and accept it’s a problem, and therefore, the need for help. The addict can choose a rehabilitation center or get help from a family member or friend. However, some people might decide to travel out of New York to seek this help. This is to separate themselves from places and people that trigger their substance abuse. Whichever rehabilitation center you choose, rehabilitation is the first step to recovery.

If you are an addict, you are not alone; the most important thing is that there is drug addiction help out there. Reach out for it either through a family member or a friend or find the nearest rehabilitation center. You will be advised on the mode of treatment to partake. Family members and friends also should know that recovery is a continuous process.