Top 12 Drug Rehab Centers in New York & Free Treatment Resources

New York Drug and Alcohol Addiction Statistics

Payment Options for New York Rehab Facilities

Regardless of your health insurance status, there are options for drug or alcohol rehab in New York City to help you seek addiction treatment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the state of New York, there are more than 700 drug or alcohol rehab programs, including:⁸

No matter how you intend to pay for your treatment, you can reach out to your intended rehab to discuss finances. Have them go over the costs and payment schedule with you, and they’ll be able to help you figure out how to pay for your alcohol or drug rehab in New York.

Find Low-Cost and Free Rehabs Around New York City

If you’re open to seeking rehab outside NYC, five drug and alcohol rehabs don’t take payment for services, offering crisis services pro bono for specific communities outside NYC. You can also seek treatment in a state-funded treatment center. These facilities provide drug or alcohol addiction treatment at a reduced cost or free to eligible residents. Aside from state-funded rehabs in New York, you should consider the following when looking for rehab options inside New York City:²

Reach out to local churches to find emergency rehab services or medical grant programs.
Find a New York drug or alcohol rehab that charges based on a sliding fee scale.
Apply for an individual rehab scholarship through your chosen facility.
Contact one of the 11 NYC (or 109 facilities statewide) drug rehabs that have received a SAMHSA block grant to provide addiction treatment services to low-income individuals.
Look for rehab centers in New York that accept payment plans.

Popular Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in New York City

If you live in NYC and find yourself struggling with addiction, there are many options that can help you seek recovery. However, we feature the following facilities due to excellent high client reviews, state-of-the-art treatment programs, and luxury accommodations and amenities.

Mountainside Chelsea in New York

Mountainside Chelsea offers a full array of recovery services for all levels of care, from detox to residential treatment and ongoing outpatient services. Designed to be an oasis in the heart of the city, Mountainside features serene surroundings for clients to partake in individual or group therapy, as well as game rooms, lounges, and sober outings to keep you engaged in your recovery. They also offer a specialized recovery coaching program for adolescents.

New York’s Parallax Center

Parallax Center of New York offers medical detox and outpatient rehab services, accepting a range of private and governmental health insurance options. Their licensed professionals have worked with New Yorkers in midtown Manhattan for over 30 years, focusing on early recovery treatment. Those needing recovery from opioids can do so here with an opioid-free medication regime.

Hazelden Betty Ford

For those seeking a specialized drug or alcohol rehab in New York, check out Hazelden Betty Ford, which offers programs for adults, youth, members of the LGBTQ+ community, women, and professionals.

What to Expect at a New York City Rehab

When beginning your recovery journey, you might be unsure of what to expect, and that’s understandable given how many options there are and the fact that each program usually runs a little differently. Whatever choice you make, your addiction treatment will include individual and group therapy, evidence-based therapies, and medical treatment as needed.

Detox Services

It’s essential to rid your body of the substance you’re addicted to before beginning treatment aimed at recovery. This can be unpleasant, depending on which substance you take and how severe your addiction is. Withdrawal can come with many symptoms, including anxiety, nausea, irritability, and muscle tremors. The nature and severity of your symptoms widely depend on:

The drugs you’re dependent on
How long you’ve been using the substance
Your mental and physical health, as well as personal physiology
How much you usually ingest and your preferred way to ingest (snorting, injecting, etc.)

Medication management is an essential part of detox, as is access to proper emergency medical care if needed. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable, such as muscle aches, to physically dangerous, such as heart palpitations, and it may be necessary to seek out a professional detox program.

In detox, licensed clinicians will be able to provide for your needs while managing your withdrawal symptoms until you’ve fully detoxed from the drug. They may offer withdrawal medications and other forms of supportive care to help the symptoms subside. Once you’ve completed your detox, you can either enter inpatient rehab, move back into your community and continue care with outpatient addiction recovery services, or move into transitional housing or a sober living rehab community.

Outpatient Treatment in NYC

In New York City, there are 81 outpatient drug or alcohol rehab programs, according to SAMHSA.⁸ Participating in outpatient treatment is often preferable for those that want to maintain a semblance of normalcy and continue going to work or school. Programs vary, but you’ll typically spend several hours a day participating in program activities both on- and off-site remotely.

There are three main types of outpatient drug and alcohol rehabs in New York City:

Standard outpatient treatment requires the least time commitment to participate, usually requiring only a few hours of meetings per week in individual therapy or support groups. This type of rehab is perfect for someone in long-term recovery who just needs ongoing counseling and life skills coaching to avoid relapsing

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are more involved than the standard treatment, requiring a few hours of therapy several days a week.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are the most intensive, with several hours in an inpatient setting each day. Many people enter PHPs after finishing inpatient rehab or detox programs.

In New York, there are various community support groups that you can join, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) or Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) meetings, to supplement your outpatient treatment. These meetings are often provided at no cost (and have coffee).

Inpatient Rehab in New York City

Inpatient rehab or residential treatment can generally last anywhere from one to three months, depending on the person. When you first arrive, you’ll complete an assessment and fill out paperwork detailing your medical and personal information. Your substance use disorder will be outlined, along with your history of treatment attempts. After all the pertinent information is gathered, you’ll complete your individual treatment plan, including recommendations on:

Group and individual therapy session scheduling
Relapse prevention classes
Life skills training courses
Medication management
Aftercare planning for long-term sobriety

Depending on the treatment center you attend, there are different experiential therapies, such as yoga, massage, equine, or art therapy, in addition to the standard evidence-based therapy that’s classically relied upon. Inpatient rehab facilities usually take care of meals and have medical staff ready for any emergencies that might arise.

While there isn’t always availability in every drug or alcohol rehab in New York, there are 22 residential facilities open around the clock to help residents struggling with addiction, so chances of finding an opening at any given time are fairly high.⁸ Four of these facilities also have in-house detox units.

Dual Diagnosis Care

People who have an existing mental health disorder are more prone to addiction than those without. Data from SAMHSA shows that there are more than nine million adults in the U.S. with both substance use and mental health disorders.⁹

Dual diagnosis programs are available in New York City that help manage the symptoms of both disorders with medication and therapy. These recovery programs have a full multidisciplinary team of health care professionals, including physicians and psychiatrists, to help ensure you treat all aspects of your condition.

Online Addiction Care (Telehealth)

Access quality mental health services, including addiction treatment, from anywhere with telehealth services. Virtual addiction treatment allows for increased access to individual therapy and support groups.

You can also have a doctor’s appointment from the comfort of your home using your webcam or smartphone. Before beginning, verify your insurance benefits with any telehealth program, as not all programs will qualify.

Medications for Opioid and Alcohol Addiction

There are several FDA-approved medications to assist people in recovery from withdrawal symptoms. In addition, rehab programs in New York City typically offer medication management and may be able to prescribe addiction medication such as:

Acamprosate: This medication reduces cravings for alcohol and post-acute (long-term) withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia.

Disulfiram (Antabuse): Drinking alcohol while taking this medication causes unwanted symptoms that mimic a severe hangover. This helps reduce the craving to drink.

Naltrexone (Revia/Vivitrol): Used to treat both alcohol and opioid addiction, this opioid agonist binds to receptors in the brain and blocks the effects of alcohol and opiates.

Methadone: As a long-acting, full opioid agonist, this medication reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal while blunting or blocking the effects of opioids. Taken daily, it is available in liquid, powder, and wafer forms.

Buprenorphine (Buprenex/Butrans): A partial opioid agonist, this medication is used to treat opioid addiction. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same euphoric high associated with full opioid agonists like heroin or methadone.

Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone, Zubsolv): This medication is used for induction and maintenance treatment of opioid dependence or addiction. Buprenorphine reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while naloxone deters misuse and can reverse opioid overdose.

Mental Health Medications: If you have a dual diagnosis, meaning you are diagnosed with substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental or behavioral condition, medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers may be prescribed.

In the case of dual diagnosis disorders, your medication management clinician may prescribe you medications to help treat anxiety, depression, and any mental health disorders you may also be living with.

Call 800-926-9037 (Who Answers?) to speak with an addiction specialist that can help you find the New York drug rehabs that can help you on the journey to recovery.

Types of Drug Rehab Programs in NYC

Recovery is a multi-dimensional endeavor and looks different for every individual. There are a variety of drug and alcohol rehabs in New York that are focused on a specific demographic to help the people in treatment achieve recovery in a group of their peers. Some New York City addiction treatment programs specialize in treating specific demographics, such as teenagers, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and more.

Faith-Based Rehab
Faith-based rehab centers offer a layer of spirituality to your recovery, incorporating prayer and faith-led exercises. Sometimes it can be helpful to attend a faith-based rehab if you have a particularly strong religious background. These programs often incorporate religious texts and belief into their treatment plans.

LGBTQ+ Rehab
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community and seeking treatment in New York City, look for a program that is inclusive and understands the personal, mental, and social difficulties unique to your community.

Women-Only Rehab
Many women elect to participate in a women-only drug or alcohol rehab. Regardless of your reason for choosing a women-only drug rehab in New York, there are programs available that provide a safe space to recover from addiction and build a community of lifelong friends in the process.

Men-Only Rehab
Men can face emotional challenges when dealing with addiction due to the stigma against men feeling weak or vulnerable. Men can participate in addiction therapy with a group of their peers where they can lean on each other for friendship and support while recovering.

Teen Rehab
Teenagers face the challenge of being under stricter family dynamics than others in recovery, as well as differences in their social and educational environment. Teen-only rehab is a safe space for younger people to recover with people whom they can relate to and open up to.

Young Adult Rehab
Rehabs specifically for individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 help facilitate their early careers and education. People at this age may struggle with self-control, such as by behaving dangerously and/or using risky drugs and being open to more risk factors than other groups.

Luxury Rehab
When you want your recovery to be more like a vacation, choose a resort-style luxury rehab. These treatment centers typically offer deluxe amenities like fitness centers, equine therapy, massage therapy in a private spa, fine dining on-site, and more, in addition to drug and alcohol rehab.

Executive Rehab
Whether in the legal or medical profession or the educational sphere, you want to ensure that your career and reputation remain intact while treating your addiction. Executive rehab programs tend to offer upscale features like luxury rehab combined with business-related amenities like high-speed internet and private workrooms.

State-Funded vs. Private Treatment Options in New York City

The core difference between state and private rehabs in New York City is from where they receive their funds. Private rehabs typically cost much more than state-funded rehabs, as they offer more amenities and don’t receive government funding to do so. While the cost of private rehab is higher, you have more options on top of desirable amenities.

State-funded rehabs are great options for when you need help with substance use or co-occurring issues of substance abuse and mental health disorders while facing financial challenges. These facilities are more likely to take state health insurance and sometimes have sliding fee scales or offer scholarships or no-pay opportunities.

Traveling to New York City for Drug and Alcohol Treatment

It may be more beneficial to your recovery to seek addiction services away from home. If you love the fast-paced environment or opportunities offered in New York City, consider attending a rehab facility in the area.

You might want to pursue addiction treatment in New York City if:

You have friends or family that live nearby who can support you.
Your area doesn’t have sufficient programming or funding to help you.
You want a change of pace and scenery.
Your insurance covers treatment in New York City.
You appreciate the art and theater scene the city has to offer.

Drug and Alcohol Laws in NYC

Given the rising number of overdoses and addiction cases overall, NYC has created laws and public programs to combat the number of drug-related deaths. In addition to harm-reduction laws such as the NY 911 law, the city of New York has programs in place to help those addicted to drugs minimize their risks.

For example, restaurants across the city now carry overdose prevention kits with naloxone syringes and fentanyl detector strips in them, and the city opened the nation’s first supervised injection sites in December 2021.^{10, 11} New Yorkers can also request overdose prevention kits through community partners or by stopping into a pharmacy where kits are free.¹²

New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law: Enacted to boost harm reduction efforts in the state, the New York 911 law states that if you are present when a person overdoses on illicit drugs, you can call 911 without fear of prosecution if you have illicit substances, taking illegal drugs with the overdosing person, or some other illegal circumstance.¹³ This is to prevent people from abandoning their friends who have overdosed for fear of facing charges over drug use. The law may even protect you if you sold the illegal drug to the overdose victim, depending on your prior convictions. The law does not protect you against being arrested if you have a warrant, have violated parole, or have over 8 ounces of a controlled substance.

Alternatives To Incarceration (ATI) Programs: To further the fight against addiction, New York has implemented 165 ATI programs.¹⁴ These programs take people recently convicted of a drug-related offense and offer them the option of drug and alcohol treatment instead of going to jail.

New York Public Health Law Section 3309: In the State of New York, first responders are trained in the administration of and carry Narcan (naloxone) with them on duty. According to NYS law, emergency workers can’t be prosecuted for using Narcan if they are aiding an overdose victim.

I-STOP Act of 2011: The I-STOP Act was designed to prevent doctor shopping, where a person goes to a second doctor for a prescription because they’ve run out of painkillers early, and doctor hopping, which is doctor shopping in another locality to avoid being caught, as the act is illegal. It was instituted in August 2013, creating a prescription drug registry to help doctors avoid over-prescribing pain medication.

New York Employee Protections for Addiction Treatment: Under the federally mandated Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees can claim up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave without fear of losing their position. Employers may not discriminate against an employee based on a medical condition such as addiction to drugs or alcohol or mental health disorders, so employees are protected from prejudice in this way when seeking treatment.

How to Choose the Best New York City Rehab For You

Every person will have different requirements for addiction treatment. There are many things to consider when choosing the right program for you or a loved one, including:

Treatment setting: Do you want to live in the heart of the metro, or do you need a quieter atmosphere to recover in? Make sure to look into the location you want to primarily spend your time.

Inpatient or outpatient: You’ll need to determine how intensive your treatment can or should be to best fit your needs and schedule.

Cost: You’ll need to know whether insurance will pay for treatment and what your out-of-pocket costs will be, and budget accordingly.

Features and amenities: If you have a specific lifestyle in mind, such as frequent sober outings or spending time in the gym, make sure your program has the amenities you’re looking for.

Treatment philosophy: Your background and preferences will dictate the type of program that’s right for you. In addition to the types of therapy offered, look into your chosen program’s mission statement, schedule, and overall vibe to make sure it’s a good fit.

Visitor Policy: If you intend to have friends or family come by to support you or participate in group or family therapy sessions, make sure to read the visitor policy. Some places are more strict than others in regards to when and how often residents can have company.

Peer support: Take a look at the type of support groups and meetings offered in your chosen program to make sure it’s a schedule that you would enjoy participating in.

No matter your addiction or the severity, there is an alcohol or drug rehab New York City that fits your needs. Call our team of trained recovery specialists at 800-926-9037 (Who Answers?) to get you connected to the rehab options that will best work for your long-term recovery. We’re available 24/7 to help you.

Resources

New York City Department of Health. (2021). Unintentional Drug Poisoning Overdose Deaths Fourth Quarter.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Interactive National Survey on Drug Use and Health State Estimates. (2019). Pain Reliever Misuse in the Past Year among Individuals Aged 12 or Older, by State: 2018-2019.
New York Department of Health. (2022). Quarterly Opioid Report Press Release.
New York City Department of Health. (2021). Unintentional Drug Poisoning Overdose Deaths Fourth Quarter.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. (2021). Drug Overdose Deaths in the U.S. Up 30% in 2020.
New York State Department of Health. (2019). Data highlights. New York State Annual Opioid Report.
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports. (2022). Laws and Regulations.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Interactive Facility Location Map.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Co-occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions.
New York City Department of Health. (2019). Health Department Teams Up with Brooklyn Bar and Nightclub Owners to Prevent Overdose Press Release.
New York City Department of Health. (2021). Overdose Prevention Centers Averted 59 Overdoses in First Three Weeks of Operation Press Release.
New York City Department of Health. (2021). Naloxone Information.
New York State Department of Health. (2022). New York State’s 911 Good Samaritan Law Protects YOU.
New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services. (2022). Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) Programs.

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