Opioid & Overdose Statistics (Nassau & Suffolk)
The opioid crisis continues to impact communities across the United States, and Long Island is no exception. Both Nassau and Suffolk Counties have faced rising overdose deaths, widespread naloxone use by first responders, and a growing need for treatment services.
This page compiles official data from the New York State Opioid Data Dashboard and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), offering a clear, fact-based overview of opioid use, overdoses, and interventions across Long Island.
Opioid Crisis on Long Island (Most Recent Year Available)
| Category | Nassau County | Suffolk County | Long Island Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overdose Deaths (All Drugs) | ~230 | ~390 | ~620 |
| Overdose Deaths (Opioids Only) | ~190 | ~330 | ~520 |
| Naloxone Administrations | ~2,400 | ~3,600 | ~6,000 |
| Treatment Admissions (Opioid Use Disorder) | ~4,800 | ~7,200 | ~12,000 |
Source: NYS Opioid Data Dashboard; CDC WONDER.
Overdose Deaths (Trend, 2015–2022)
| Year | Nassau (Opioid Deaths) | Suffolk (Opioid Deaths) | Long Island Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 134 | 267 | 401 |
| 2016 | 169 | 337 | 506 |
| 2017 | 179 | 354 | 533 |
| 2018 | 161 | 336 | 497 |
| 2019 | 152 | 312 | 464 |
| 2020 | 186 | 376 | 562 |
| 2021 | 198 | 389 | 587 |
| 2022 | 190 | 330 | 520 |
Naloxone Administrations
Naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) is a life-saving medication used by police, EMTs, and hospitals to reverse opioid overdoses. Usage has risen steadily over the past decade, reflecting both greater availability and a persistent overdose crisis.
- Nassau County: ~2,400 administrations in most recent year
- Suffolk County: ~3,600 administrations in most recent year
- Combined: Nearly 6,000 lifesaving reversals annually
Treatment Admissions
According to state data, more than 12,000 Long Islanders entered treatment programs for opioid use disorder in the most recent year available. Suffolk County consistently records higher admission totals than Nassau, reflecting both population size and overdose burden.
Methodology
- Overdose Deaths: Drawn from CDC WONDER multiple cause of death files and NYS Opioid Data Dashboard.
- Naloxone Data: NYS Opioid Data Dashboard (reported by law enforcement, EMS, and hospitals).
- Treatment Admissions: Derived from the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) reporting systems.
- Rates: When shown, calculated per 100,000 residents using U.S. Census ACS estimates.
FAQ
Q: Why are Suffolk County’s numbers higher than Nassau’s?
A: Suffolk has a larger population and historically higher opioid overdose rates.
Q: Does naloxone always save a life?
A: Naloxone reverses many overdoses, but outcomes depend on timing, dosage, and whether additional medical care is received.
Q: Are prescription opioids or fentanyl driving the crisis?
A: In recent years, synthetic opioids like fentanyl have been the primary driver of fatal overdoses across both counties.
Q: How often is this data updated?
A: The NYS Opioid Data Dashboard is updated quarterly, while CDC WONDER mortality data is typically released annually with a one-year lag.
