New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services

January 2009

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) is one of the nation’s largest addiction services systems. It is dedicated to making strides on behalf of the 2.5 million New Yorkers dealing with drug, alcohol, or gambling addictions.

On a daily basis, OASAS reaches approximately 110,000 New Yorkers through its more than 1,550 addiction services in prevention, treatment, and recovery. OASAS plans, develops and regulates the State’s system of chemical dependence and gambling treatment agencies. This includes the direct operation of 13 addiction treatment centers that provide inpatient rehabilitation services to 10,000 persons per year. The agency inspects and monitors these programs to guarantee quality of care and to ensure compliance with State and national standards. OASAS also monitors gambling and substance use trends in the State; provides a comprehensive education and prevention program through community- and school-based programs; promotes public awareness and citizen involvement through community action groups; pursues State, Federal, and private sources of funding for services; establishes linkages of services for clients in other human service agencies and in the criminal justice system; provides education and training for persons dealing with clients; and administers the credentialing of alcoholism and substance abuse counselors, and prevention practitioners and prevention specialists.