Overdose deaths New York City
The latest provisional count puts overdose deaths New York City at 1,725. That is 201 fewer than the 1,926 recorded a year earlier. The figures come from CDC NCHS and cover a 12-month period.
- overdose deaths, 12 months
- 1,725
- shift from the year before
- -10%
- sites train on naloxone use
- 190
Even with the latest numbers trending down, overdose deaths in New York City are still a serious public health concern. The 1,725 deaths recorded in the 12 months ending May 2026 mark a 10% decrease from the year before. After several years of rising fatalities, this is the first sustained decline.
For someone considering treatment, these numbers are context, not a verdict. They show that more people are surviving, but 1,725 families still lost someone. The data also highlights where the risks are concentrated and which substances are driving the toll.
Reading the numbers when choosing care
Naloxone is available at 190 locations across New York City, and our helpline will help you find one nearby. If you take drugs, or someone you love does, keeping naloxone nearby can reverse an opioid overdose until emergency help reaches you. The numbers also point to medication: SAMHSA listings show buprenorphine at 165 facilities and methadone at 38 in New York City. Ask every program which FDA-approved medications it offers if rehab in New York City is something you are considering. Quitting heavy drinking or sedative use can be risky, so a clinical team should monitor it when someone comes off alcohol and benzodiazepines.
Overdose deaths in New York City by drug
Fentanyl is involved in the majority of New York City overdose deaths, at 952 in the latest 12-month period, down from 1,162. Fentanyl remains the leading substance in New York City overdose deaths, accounting for over half of the total. Heroin deaths fell 32%, to 52, while prescription opioid deaths were nearly flat, at 236. Opioids as a group account for 1,160 deaths. Cocaine was involved in 843 deaths, a 16% decrease from 1,009, and methamphetamine deaths fell 17%, to 235. If cocaine or meth use worries you, then a call can connect you with outpatient and inpatient rehab centers in New York City. Stimulants still contribute heavily even as opioid deaths fall, and some programs treat both together through dual diagnosis care.
| Drug | Past year | Prior year | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overdose deaths overall | 1,725 | 1,926 | -10% |
| All opioids together | 1,160 | 1,374 | -16% |
| Fentanyl and synthetic opioids | 952 | 1,162 | -18% |
| Heroin | 52 | 77 | -32% |
| Opioids that were prescribed | 236 | 246 | -4% |
| Methamphetamine | 235 | 282 | -17% |
| Cocaine | 843 | 1,009 | -16% |
Local health figures for New York
Percentage of adults in New York compared to New York, based on CDC PLACES estimates for 2023.
| Indicator | New York | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Binge drinking | 16.9% | 16.6% |
| Frequent mental distress | 15.4% | 15.6% |
| Depressive feelings | 16.4% | 17.3% |
| Current smoking | 11.4% | 11.5% |
| Lacking health insurance (18-64) | 10.6% | 9.1% |
Overdose deaths show a downward trend
The 12 months ending May 2026 saw 1,725 overdose deaths in New York City, down from 1,926 a year earlier, a 10% decline in provisional CDC data. Opioid-related overdose deaths in New York City fell 16%, from 1,374 to 1,160. Fentanyl deaths dropped 18%, to 952. Those figures suggest harm reduction and treatment access are helping, while the total stays high enough that care still matters for every neighborhood.
The decline does not fall evenly across substances or boroughs, so the citywide figure hides wide variation. If you live in Manhattan or Brooklyn, then local treatment options matter more than a citywide average. A treatment advisor can talk through levels of care and insurance questions for rehab centers near you. Heroin deaths fell 32%, to 52, the steepest drop of any category.
- most recent 12 months
- 1,725
- during the prior year
- 1,926
Questions people ask
How many overdose deaths were there in New York City in the latest year?
There were 1,725 overdose deaths in New York City according to figures for the 12 months through May 2026 provisional CDC data. That is a 10% decrease from the 1,926 deaths in the prior year. The figures are provisional and may change as death certificates are finalized.
What drug is involved in the most overdose deaths in New York City?
Fentanyl is involved in the most overdose deaths, with 952 in the latest 12-month period, down 18% from 1,162. Cocaine follows at 843 deaths, then prescription opioids at 236 and methamphetamine at 235. Opioids overall account for 1,160 deaths, or about two-thirds of the total.
Are overdose deaths decreasing in New York City?
Yes. Overdose deaths in New York City decreased 10% overall in the 12 months ending May 2026. Opioid deaths fell 16% and fentanyl deaths fell 18%. Heroin deaths dropped 32% to 52. The total of 1,725 is still high, so prevention and treatment access remain important.
Where can I find help for a substance use disorder in New York City?
Start by calling our free, confidential helpline. Treatment advisors can connect you with SAMHSA-listed facilities in New York City, including 192 total facilities offering different levels of care. They can explain detox, residential, outpatient and medication-assisted treatment, and check what your insurance covers.
How long do people usually stay in inpatient rehab?
Length of stay varies with the person and the program, and no one can promise a set number of days. Residential programs may run several weeks, while outpatient and intensive outpatient care can continue for months. A treatment advisor can describe what SAMHSA-listed programs in New York City offer so you can compare options.
Do I need insurance to get treatment in New York City?
No. Many SAMHSA-listed facilities in New York City accept Medicaid or offer sliding-scale fees, and the federal parity law limits some insurance barriers to substance use treatment. Call the helpline and an advisor can explain which programs fit your budget and coverage, with no obligation to enroll.