The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) today announced the launch of a new multi-faceted public awareness campaign designed to raise awareness about addiction. The “In the Know” campaign addresses many common misconceptions about addiction prevention, treatment and recovery. The goal is to empower people with facts pertaining to substance use disorder and eliminate stigma. 

“We are continuing our efforts to increase public awareness about addiction and eliminate the stigma,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair of the NYS Heroin and Opioid Task Force. “This new campaign will help to address misconceptions about addiction and inform New Yorkers about prevention, treatment, and recovery services available. This is part of our overall strategy to help individuals and families struggling with addiction, combat the opioid epidemic, and help to save lives.”

“Unfortunately, many misconceptions remain regarding addiction, and this often prevents people from seeking out and receiving the help that they need,” OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said. “It is important that we continue to make every effort to ensure that people are informed about this disease. With this new campaign we are addressing these misunderstandings and giving people the knowledge they need to find help for themselves or a loved one.”

The “In the Know” campaign uses a variety of mediums including ads on radio, streaming audio, and digital mediums, as well as mass transit such as buses, the NYC Subway and Staten Island Ferry.

As part of the campaign, individuals are encouraged to visit the OASAS website and follow the Addiction: In The Know link to take a brief 10 question quiz. Following each question, the answer is provided along with additional details to help educate people about addiction. Examples of topics addressed include medication assisted treatment, pregnancy, Naloxone, alcohol, information about OASAS programs, and more. The campaign runs throughout the month of February.

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.