The Cuts to Addiction Treatment Programs in New York City, NY
Many people across New York state are currently struggling with drug addiction or have in the past. For those without lots of family support, government assistance programs could be all that they have to rely on. Concurrently, those same public addiction treatment programs are subject to budget cuts once state governments fall on hard economic times. This means that substance abuse treatment programs in New York have faced reduced funding.
Drug overdose deaths have been on the rise since the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered a 31% reduction in funds being sent to private and nonprofit addiction treatment providers within the state. At the end of the day, the mental healthcare network of New York state is already struggling to keep up as is, so reduced funding for substance abuse treatment only makes the problem worse
Where Help Can Be Found
Despite this cut to addiction treatment providers statewide, there are still ways of getting treated for drug addiction. You can read more about how to understand and treat substance dependency by reading the Drug Rehab page or our Alcohol Rehab page. Get started removing addiction from your life or the life of a loved one by calling 402-268-9960 and speaking to an expert.
Substance Abuse Treatment in New York
Governor Cuomo has been saying for months that a smaller reduction in funds would be coming. However, healthcare providers have been surprised with the abruptness and size of the cuts. Being able to adapt to such drastic financial changes is going to be a difficult task for many rehab centers and mental healthcare providers. Here is a brief rundown on who this affects and how:
- State payments to alcohol and drug treatment programs are being cut by 31%
- These cuts will put a strain on the resources of an already underfunded industry
- Less profitable services like detox beds will be the first to be cut
- The cuts come as drug overdoses, particularly opioids, are on the rise nationwide and throughout New York
- Advocates are urging lawmakers to pass naloxone co-prescription legislation
The unique factors driving these cuts have put everyone in a tough position. Nonetheless, the commitment to ending drug and alcohol addiction in the United States still exists. A quick conversation with an addiction expert can still introduce you or a loved one to life saving addiction treatment. Get the help that you or a family member needs despite local budget cuts. We have professionals standing by and waiting to help, so call the number at the top or bottom of this page today.
The Consequences of Cuts to Addiction Treatment
Less resources being given to important substance abuse programs means that New York residents themselves need to pull together and support one another during such a rough time. Likewise, we are here to help you understand how to get started in the rehab process.
The Challenges of Reduced Funding
When important rehab centers have to adjust to new amounts of support from the government, it can be hard on the patients as well. Cost cuts have to be implemented by addiction treatment facilities since they don’t have the money for the services that they once did. For instance, detox beds will be removed, leading to drug users having to wait longer for detox beds to open up, or figure out an alternative solution to detox. Getting clean is still possible, but the road to recovery just got a little longer.
The pressure being put on the substance abuse treatment system is being felt equally throughout the state. Much of the money that was cut goes to treating the substance abuse problems of many people that are now dying of overdose or suicide. Medicare and Medicaid are still available for those who need coverage. However, that coverage is useless if the patient doesn’t have access to the vital treatment they need. Let’s come together to find a way to still help those most vulnerable to substance abuse in our communities.
New Problems Facing New York
The drug addiction rates in New York state are being affected by the budget cuts as well. In Monroe County, more than twice as many people died of opioid overdoses in March and April of this year as opposed to last year. Suffolk County has seen a 40% increase in fatal drug overdoses when compared with the same months in 2019. Nassau and Erie Counties have observed similar spikes in drug overdose data.
When detox beds get removed permanently from rehab centers, then patients are forced to turn to hospital for detox treatments. As a result, families must resort to much more expensive hospital detox programs. It’s possible that detox services at other rehab facilities still work, but this could require a lengthy commute to another city just for detox services. Hopefully, the federal government can step in soon with some form of relief funding to help treatment centers. When treatment centers are struggling for resources, then patients themselves need to know what to do.
How to Get Treatment
In times of uncertainty, just getting started can be the most difficult task. Luckily, the first step in getting addiction treatment has not changed. Certain services may have taken a hit, but getting clean and sober is still possible. There are still experts waiting to help you find the treatment solutions you’ve been looking for. Don’t hesitate to reach out and secure treatment for you or a loved one. Rehab centers are here for you once you call the number at the bottom of the page.
Get Help Despite Cuts to Addiction Treatment Programs
Drug addiction and overdose rates have been steadily rising for a while. These dangerous substances have ripped many people from our neighborhoods and continue to do so. However, recent cuts in funding to local drug and alcohol treatment programs are making the fight against drugs much more difficult.
While many rehab facilities and treatment options exist all over New York state, this could change. For example, certain service like detox beds or centers themselves could face financial hardship, restructured services, and even closure of the facility. No matter what, we will be here to help patients find a center that can and will help them. At the same time, there are still many treatment center in New York turning drug addicts into sober people every day.
Let’s put the health of our entire community first. Even though funding may be an issue, finding caring individuals to treat substance abuse isn’t a problem. That’s why we’re here to help you find those people. Make a phone call that could save someone’s life today. Call 402-268-9960 and begin turning your life or the life of a loved one around today.