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Mayors

Mayor Adams Proposes Mandatory Substance Use Treatment in New York City

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Mayor Eric Adams has announced his intention to push for a change in state law that would allow people with substance use disorders to receive treatment, whether they want it or not. The proposal, part of an effort to reduce public drug use and intoxication, would give clinicians the authority to hospitalize individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others due to their substance use. Judges would also have the power to mandate care for individuals who are unwilling to consent to treatment. This initiative, which would bring New York in line with the majority of other states, is part of Adams' broader campaign to make city streets more orderly.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed legislation would allow clinicians to hospitalize individuals with substance use disorders who pose a danger to themselves or others, regardless of their consent.
  • Judges would have the authority to mandate care for individuals who are unwilling to participate in treatment.
  • The proposal aims to reduce public drug use and intoxication in New York City.
  • The plan has been developed in collaboration with NYC Health and Hospitals and other city agencies.
  • The city will invest $27 million to expand access to drug treatment programs and test new strategies to keep people engaged in care.
  • A pilot program called "Track to Treatment" will provide patients with small rewards for positive behavior, and participants in the Relay program will receive cellphones to ensure better follow-up.
  • Some mental health and homeless advocates have expressed concern that the proposed law infringes on individuals' civil liberties.
  • The effectiveness of compulsory substance use treatment is still a topic of debate, with limited evidence showing it is more effective than voluntary treatment.
  • Kristine Torres-Lockhart, chief medical officer for addiction treatment provider Phoenix House New York, has stated that the data does not support civil commitment for severe substance use disorders.
  • Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, has criticized the proposal as part of the "failed playbook" that relies on coercion over voluntary treatment.

Statistics:

  • The city will invest $27 million to expand access to drug treatment programs.
  • $2 million will be allocated to provide cellphones to participants in the Relay program.
  • 70% of states already allow some form of involuntary commitment for substance use disorder (source: [https://legislativeanalysis.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Involuntary-Commitment-of-Those-with-Substance-Use-Disorders.pdf])

Sources:

  • [https://legislativeanalysis.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Involuntary-Commitment-of-Those-with-Substance-Use-Disorders.pdf]
  • [https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/ending-crime-and-disorder-on-americas-streets/]
  • [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4752879/#:~:text=Based%20on%20the%20available%20peer,or%20in%20reducing%20criminal%20recidivism.]

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