Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor Alternatives to Incarceration

Treatment Alternatives
For those charged with felony drug crimes, an effective drug treatment program and access to other important social services can mean the difference between repeated contacts with the criminal justice system and the ability to lead a fulfilling, law-abiding life. When offered appropriately, treatment alternatives enhance public safety by reducing recidivism, while decreasing incarceration.

Prosecutor-Led Diversion Programs
Together with the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, the Special Narcotics Prosecutor's Office (SNP) pioneered offering alternatives to incarceration more than 30 years ago. SNP's Alternative Sentencing Division has successfully worked with thousands of individuals. Through SNP's Drug Treatment Alternatives to Prison (DTAP) programs, highly experienced staff members evaluate eligibility to identify those likely to reap the benefits of treatment programs.

Judicial Diversion
Beginning in 2009, the New York State Legislature empowered judges to place defendants in court-sponsored diversion programs. SNP continues to offer its expertise in screening and monitoring. When individuals enter treatment through one of these paths, their sentences are deferred. Upon successful completion, charges may be dismissed.

ATI Court
In 2020, SNP joined the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in assessing individuals facing felony charges for treatment and social service referrals through the Manhattan Felony Alternatives to Incarceration Court (ATI Court). The first of its kind, ATI Court offers an array of services, including substance abuse treatment, mental health services, cognitive behavioral therapy, educational and vocational training, case management, and various types of prosocial programming.

Substance Abuse Services

NYC Well: Talk. Text. Chat. 24/7

Text, talk, chat: 24-hour hotline for stress, anxiety, depression, or drug and alcohol use

1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)

Crisis Intervention: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355), Press 2

• In Spanish: 1-888-692-9355, Press 3

• In Mandarin and Cantonese dialects: 1-888-692-9355, Press 4

Text WELL to 65173

New York City of Department of Health and Mental Hygiene- Alcohol & Drug use

Every day, we protect and promote the health of 8 million New Yorkers. Our work is broad-ranging. You see us in the inspection grades of dining establishments, the licenses dogs wear, the low- to no-cost health clinics in your neighborhood and the birth certificates for our youngest New Yorkers.

New York State Hopeline

New York State's 24/7 problem gambling and chemical dependency hotline.The New York State problem gambling and chemical dependency HOPEline provides high quality, responsive information, and referral services via phone and text message to callers throughout New York State experiencing substance abuse and problem gambling.

Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health

We oversee strategies to close critical gaps in mental healthcare so every New Yorker, in every neighborhood, has the support they need.

overdose prevention

Save a Life. Carry Naloxone.

In response to the crisis, the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone is widely available in New York City.

New York State's 911 Good Samaritan Law Protects You

The New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

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Overdose Prevention Strategy

Together We Can Save Lives. We can prevent overdoses and save lives by ensuring equitable access to essential health care and support services without stigma.