Individual Care

Substance Abuse

Visit VetConnectNYC.org

According to a 2017 study, more than one in ten veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder, indicating that veterans often experience traumatic events that trigger drug or alcohol use. A separate study found that 30% of completed veteran suicides were preceded by alcohol or drug use.

The NYC Department of Veterans' Services connects veterans to substance abuse resources to ensure that those battling addiction can recover and live purpose-driven lives.

Connect to substance abuse services by filling out the VetConnectNYC form and selecting "Substance Abuse" as your preferred service:


Request Services on VetConnectNYC


See below for a list of substance abuse services:

Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal its answer.

Alcohol and Drug Use Services

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 988 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 
    • Syringe Service 
    • Overdose Prevention Centers 
    • Naloxone 
    • Drug Checking 
    • Public Health Vending Machines 
  • Peer-Based Services 
  • Medications for Opioid Use Disorder 
  • State Certified Treatment Programs 

Overdose Prevention

  • If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, reach out to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, call the 24/7 HOPE Line at 1-877-8-HOPENY, or text 467369.

  • The first Overdose Prevention Center (OPC) services in the nation are operating in New York City. OPCs, also referred to as supervised consumption sites or facilities, are safe places where people who use drugs can receive medical care and be connected to treatment and social services. OPC services are proven to prevent overdose death. There has never been an overdose death in any OPC. OPCs are co-located with previously established syringe service providers. OPCs are currently operating in East Harlem and Washington Heights.