The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) today announced the launch of a new media campaign reminding people of the warning signs of addiction and overdoses, and that addiction can happen to anyone. It is designed to reach people traveling for the holidays and will run through the end of December. The campaign is partially funded with money awarded to New York State under the federal State Opioid Response grant.

“We are committed to raising awareness about the dangers and symptoms of addiction and overdose,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair of the NYS Heroin and Opioid Task Force. “New York is focused on investing in programs and services to assist in the recovery and treatment of addiction for individuals and families across the state. This new media campaign builds on our efforts to inform more New Yorkers, combat the opioid epidemic plaguing our communities, and help save lives.”

“New York State offers nation-leading support and services for people affected by addiction, and our campaigns are an important way that we can let people know about ways to find help for themselves or a loved one,” OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said. “With so many people traveling during the holiday season, this new campaign will help reach even more people, and direct them towards these valuable, lifesaving resources throughout New York State.”

This multifaceted campaign will run across the state, and will involve a variety of mediums, including television, radio, and digital and social media, as well as movie theaters and shopping malls. Campaign materials will also be seen on mass transit, including buses, the New York City subway and Staten Island Ferry, and Megabuses. All campaign materials are available to view here.

In addition, new episodes of the educational program “New Hope, New Life with OASAS” will begin airing statewide in December. This program, which launched in August, is designed to inform New Yorkers about substance use disorders, including the warning signs, resources available, and where to find help. More information about the program, including previously aired episodes, can be found here.

State Senator Pete Harckham, Chair of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse said, “Too often, people are unaware of the warning signs of substance abuse disorders and overdose until it is tragically too late. By raising awareness and highlighting the existence of important state OASAS programs, resources and services, we save lives and help to rebuild families.”

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse said, "While the holiday season is often full of joy, it is also a very difficult time for many, and in particular, for people struggling with or in recovery from substance use disorder. Addiction can and does happen to anyone, and it's critical that friends and family members have the tools they need to best help their loved ones access care. While we work to expand awareness, we must also be working to expand the network of care statewide so that people who want to get help can access supportive services when and where they need it. I will continue to fight for an increase in funding until supportive services for addiction treatment and recovery are as easy to access as they must be."

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website.