Over 2.1 million people in the United States struggle with opioid use disorder and over 120,000 people die each year from overdose. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people into isolation, creating a perfect storm of economic insecurity and general despair. Substance use and overdose rates have increased significantly in the United States. In Cortland County, we have not been immune to this increase. 

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a physical and psychological reliance on opioids, a substance found in certain prescription pain medications and illegal substances such as heroin.

Prolonged use of opioids can result in the body developing a physiological dependence. Opioid dependence causes withdrawal symptoms, which makes it difficult to stop taking them. OUD occurs when dependence interferes with daily life. 

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is recognized as the gold standard of treatment for OUD. MOUD is the use of medications such as buprenorphine (suboxone). It can be used alone, or in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, as an effective treatment and has been shown to increase the chances of sustained recovery. Medication decreases opioid use, overdose deaths, criminal activity, and infectious disease transmission. Likewise, it increases social functioning and retention in treatment. When buprenorphine became available in Baltimore, they saw a 37% decrease in heroin overdose deaths during a study period.

There are various places in and around Cortland County that offer treatment and support services for those seeking help. 

Local Resources

Family & Children’s Counseling Services

Outpatient mental health & substance use counseling, MOUD, Mobile Treatment and Peer Services, Integrated Primary Care

165 South Main Street, Cortland 

(607)-753-0234

Syracuse Recovery Services – Cortland

Outpatient Clinic, Individual/Group Counseling, MOUD

6 Euclid Avenue, Building 1, Suite 5, Cortland 

(607)-756-4167

Family Health Network

Primary Care Office, offers MOUD in partnership with Family & Children’s Counseling Services

Various locations through Cortland County Cortland Family Medical Office, 4038 West Rd (Rte 281), Cortland

Regional Open Access Center for Addiction – Helio Health

Community program that performs substance use and mental health assessments 24/7 for residents of Cayuga, Cortland and surrounding counties. Individuals who arrive at the center will be immediately screened to determine the recommended level of care, staff will provide the patient with treatment options, and will inform patients of recovery services in their home county.

329 North Salina Street, Syracuse 

(315)-471-1564

Open Access Center – Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County

Offers walk-in assessments, education, medication-assisted treatment, referrals, Narcan, and follow-up services. It is located in Tompkins County but serves Cortland County.

2353 North Triphammer Road, Ithaca

Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00am-6:00pm

(607)-274-6288

Southern Tier Aids Program (STAP)

STAP offers confidential HIV and other testing services, can connect individuals to treatment for substance use, has a syringe exchange program that provides individuals with clean syringes in exchange for used ones  to promote safe use and decrease risk of spreading infectious diseases, they also offer at-home care for clients with chronic illnesses.

They have staff and peers who serve clients in Cortland County.

314 West State Street, Ithaca

Hotline: (888)2-06-2870

Phone: (607)-272-4098

REACH Medical 

REACH Medical is a low threshold, harm reduction medical practice offers a wide range of services including Medications for OUD, Hep C treatment, primary care, and behavioral services in a stigma-free, inclusive setting. 

402 N Cayuga St, Ithaca 

(607)-273-7000

Wishing Wellness Center

A part of Catholic Charities: for adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, offers peer support

24 Church St, Cortland, NY 

(607)-756-5992

Resources to help support a loved one struggling with opioid use:

Family Support Navigation through Prevention Network 

Tyler Gilyard is a Family Support Navigator whose expertise is helping family members navigate their relationship in support of loved ones who are in recovery. He meets the family where they’re at and provides the assistance and guidance they need at the moment, when it comes to navigating the struggles and fears they face while trying to best support their loved ones in recovery. He also works with clients in Cortland County. 

Contact him at tgilyard@preventionnetworkcny.org.

We want your feedback! Are you struggling to find the resources or services you need? We are working to enhance our system of care here in Cortland County and your feedback is valuable to us. Email us at swatrous@cortlandareactc.org or fill out this form: https://healingcortland.org/get-involved.