An estimated 1.1 million New York State adults (8.0 percent) were dependent on or abused alcohol or illicit drugs in the past year. Only 204,000 adults (1.5 percent) received treatment for an alcohol or illicit drug problem in the past year, and only 47,000 (0.3 percent) of those who did not receive addiction treatment in New York perceived a need for treatment. (2003 – 2004) OASAS
 
New York drug and alcohol abuse statistics
Illicit Drug Use
1.8 million New York State adults (13.0 percent) reported using illicit drugs in the past year. Marijuana and hashish were the most commonly used drugs, reported by 1.4 million persons (10.0 percent), followed by the nonmedical use of prescription drugs, which was reported by 570,000 persons (4.2 percent). About 2.1 percent of adult residents reported using cocaine, and 2.8 percent used other types of drugs, including heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants in the past year. The highest prevalence rates of any illicit drug use were found among adults aged 18 to 25 (36.9 percent) and those who had never been married (30.2 percent).
 
Alcohol Use
An estimated 7 million adults (51.4 percent) had used alcohol in the past month, 2.8 million adults (20.6 percent) were binge drinkers, and 779,000 (5.8 percent) were heavy alcohol users. Almost 3.4 percent had abused alcohol, and 2.8 percent met the criteria for alcohol dependence. (2002 – 2003 NASADAD)
DUI Statistics
Slightly over half of all traffic fatalities in New York were alcohol related in 1982, which was the highest percentage for this state since recording began. That same year recorded the highest number of alcohol-related deaths with 1,131. Since then, the number of alcohol related fatalities has dropped significantly, to 483, in 2006. The lowest number was reported in 1998, with 451. In the most recent year of stats, out of all traffic fatalities, 27% involved a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. All 50 states in the US now apply two statutory offenses to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The first (and original) offense is known either as driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated/impaired (DWI), or operating while intoxicated/impaired (OWI). This is based upon a police officer's observations (driving behavior, slurred speech, the results of a roadside sobriety test, etc.)