“Know the Facts” Campaign Will Address Facts and Myths Related to Addiction

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services today announced the launch of the “Know the Facts” campaign. This multi-faceted PSA campaign will dispel myths, provide facts, and raise awareness about addiction services in New York State, and will help direct people to addiction services and help.

“Substance use disorder can be managed with the right treatment options,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, co-chair of the NYS Heroin and Opioid Abuse Task Force. “The key is making sure people are aware of the resources available and that they have access to them. Lives can be saved and returned to normal with help and support. With this campaign, we hope to encourage people to start their journey on the road to recovery.”

“There are still misconceptions about addiction, which can be dangerous for people who are in need of care,” OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said. “This campaign will help people learn the facts that they need to know when it comes to addiction, while at the same time helping direct them to the help they need to fight this disease.”

The “Know the Facts” campaign will address facts related to topics that include the availability of treatment in New York State, insurance coverage and paying for treatment, and the support that is available for people in recovery. The campaign highlights that 23 million people are living in recovery, and there is hope for people who are suffering from addiction. The campaign will run statewide in English and Spanish, through March 25. It will consist of ads on the radio, New York City Subway, Staten Island Ferry, bus interiors, public billboards, and banner ads online and on social media. Campaign materials can be found here.

Senator Pete Harckham, 40th Senate District, Chairman of the Senate Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Committee, said, “The disease of addiction must be treated like any other chronic disease – with the appropriate inpatient medical treatment, counseling and outpatient care and support. The new OASAS ‘Know the Facts’ campaign will help addicted individuals, their families and communities better understand the resources available for treatment and recovery in New York State.”

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF- Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, said, "The challenges New Yorkers statewide face in trying to break the grip of addiction are immense, yet they are too often needlessly compromised by stigma and misinformation. While New York desperately needs to continue expanding its harm reduction infrastructure, it is vital we take steps to better illuminate and promote the supports already in place."

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. Visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction. For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the state’s Talk2Prevent website.