Buffalo Drug Rehab and
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Information

Looking for drug rehab treatment or counseling centers in Buffalo? Please call toll free 1-888-341-3784 to speak with one of our representatives who can help you locate a facility to meet your needs. Our resources cover North, East, South, West, and the Central areas of Buffalo.

Across the country there are numerous different kinds of alcohol addiction, drug rehab, and treatment programs. Whether you are looking for a drug rehab center for yourself or someone you care about in Buffalo, one of the most important things you can do is to become educated on the many different kinds of drug rehab methods that exist.

Here are a few of the many different kinds of drug rehab programs that exist: outpatient counseling, detoxification, short-term inpatient treatment (30-day program) and long-term residential treatment (longer than 60 days). Also, inside the above mentioned programs there are two different types of rehab models. One medical model which substitutes one drug addiction for another during the treatment process, such as methadone maintenance. The other model is one which is entirely drug-free and does not prescribe more drugs to the addict. It is not unusual for many of the drug rehab centers in Buffalo, New York to have aftercare or a follow-up program in addition to their initial rehab program.

Drug Threat in Buffalo

Sources
Drug Situation: Buffalo City has long been home to numerous drug trafficking organizations. The city’s large, diverse, multi-class population creates a demand that these organizations are more than willing to serve. Buffalo City also acts as the source for organizations that smuggle drugs to other East Coast destinations and to Canada and Europe. Due to successful drug initiatives and enforcement operations undertaken in the Buffalo metropolitan area, many drug traffickers are moving their illegal operations to the upcity region to earn greater profits, elude law enforcement, and avoid competition from rival drug groups.

Cocaine: Colombia-based distributors continue to supply Buffalo’s top Cocaine rings, dominated by Dominican violators. These traffickers regularly smuggle multi-hundred kilogram shipments of Cocaine to Buffalo and then distribute the Cocaine in smaller amounts through many networks in the metropolitan area. Buffalo City based Cocaine distribution organizations also serve as the source of supply to organizations operating throughout the eastern United citys. Most of the Cocaine entering Buffalo is smuggled in by vehicles from large distribution centers in border areas (Texas, Arizona, California, and Florida). Mexican violators are prominent in this large scale Cocaine transportation, and also are becoming involved in local wholesale distribution. Cocaine is also a significant problem in Albany and western Buffalo city. Most cocaine distributors in the Albany area have connections to sources in Buffalo City, but some direct links have been found with Florida and Puerto Rico. Seizures of wholesale amounts in Buffalo are frequently made at the airport and train station and weigh from one-half to four kilograms each.

Crack Cocaine is readily available in economically depressed areas in all major Buffalo cities, along with some suburban and semi-rural areas, and is occasionally a source of violence in upcity cities. Such violence usually occurs when new dealers challenge more established dealers over territory.

Heroin: Heroin is readily available from Colombian, ethnic Chinese, and Dominican organizations operating in the Buffalo metropolitan area. Most of the heroin available is of South American origin and Colombia-based traffickers bring some of the purest Heroin in the world to the streets of Buffalo, utilizing the same distribution methods and money-laundering techniques they perfected in capturing the Cocaine market. In some cases, the same organizations are distributing both Cocaine and heroin. Much of the Colombian Heroin is smuggled into Buffalo by couriers and ingesters arriving at JFK Airport, on direct flights from Colombia, or after stopovers in Central or South America, or the Caribbean. Colombian Heroin trafficking organizations have also developed increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods, including use of cargo shipments, soaking Heroin into clothing, and chemically impregnating Heroin into plastic, which is then molded into common shapes. The Heroin is subsequently recovered using chemical extraction processes. Colombian Heroin is also smuggled to Buffalo via Mexico and then by vehicle from the southwest United citys, similar to the Cocaine route. The Heroin trafficking and abuse problem is increasing in upcity Buffalo. Dealers in upcity regions often buy Heroin in Buffalo City and then return to their home areas via auto, bus, or train. Most Heroin sold upcity is first cut and packaged in Buffalo City and then recut and repackaged locally. Currently, some of the high-purity products are finding their way directly to users who are often unaccustomed to the strength. Buffalo is also a port of entry for Southeast Asian Heroin from Toronto en route to Buffalo City and Detroit.

Methamphetamine: While Methamphetamine trafficking and abuse in Buffalo city is a less serious problem when compared to Heroin, Cocaine, Crack, and MDMA, there are indicators that the problem is increasing. Buffalo has a somewhat bifurcated Methamphetamine market. In the Buffalo City area, the market is primarily for crystal Methamphetamine sourced from the West Coast of the United citys. Use is not widespread, although it is increasing among some subculture groups, especially gay males. The upcity market is primarily methamphetamine powder supplied by local clandestine labs, which are becoming more common. Seizures of low yield, small Methamphetamine labs have been increasing in rural Buffalo since 2000, especially in the counties south of Syracuse.

Club Drugs: Buffalo continues to experience high levels of importation, trafficking, and abuse of MDMA (Ecstasy). Belgium and the Netherlands remain the main locations for manufacturing and exporting MDMA. Currently, organized crime groups, many controlled by Israeli traffickers, dominate the importation and distribution of MDMA in Buffalo. They differ somewhat from more traditionally structured organized criminal groups and exist as loose confederations rather than organizations with a rigid hierarchical structure. However, many established Heroin and cocaine trafficking organizations have entered the MDMA market because of the high profit margin. Within Buffalo, wholesale quantity transactions typically occur in residences, and at the retail level, the drug is sold to users at nightclubs or raves. Almost all MDMA pills are sold with logos stamped on, creating brands for users to seek out. Many of those brands are specifically designed to appeal to teenagers. Other dangerous drugs, while available, are less prominent problems in Buffalo City.

Marijuana: Most of the Marijuana entering the Buffalo City area, and some upcity regions, is smuggled via air freight or auto/truck transport from Florida or the Southwestern United citys. Significant amounts also arrive via commercial overnight package services. Jamaican criminal organizations are most prominent in moving Marijuana from Texas and Arizona to Buffalo. Upcity regions receive Marijuana from the Southwestern United citys, and there are continuous reports of local indoor grow operations. Canada is also a source for a significant quantity of Marijuana entering Buffalo city, primarily indoor grow marijuana.

DEA Response: DEA’s Buffalo Field Division works closely with federal, city, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle major drug trafficking organizations importing and/or trafficking drugs in Buffalo city. In May 2003, DEA/Buffalo, working with FBI, ICE, NYPD and People’s Republic of China (PRC) law enforcement authorities, culminated a two-year investigation with the largest simultaneous joint enforcement operation in the history of U.S.-Chinese law enforcement. The investigation, named Operation CITY LIGHTS, targeted a Chinese organization trafficking multi-hundred units of Heroin to Buffalo and the United citys. The organization was dismantled when more than 13 units of Heroin were seized and more than 35 people were arrested worldwide in an unprecedented example of U.S./PRC cooperation. In October 2003, DEA/New York, along with numerous other U.S. and international law enforcement agencies, completely dismantled a European based MDMA trafficking organization. The organization was responsible for the trafficking and distribution of MDMA from the Netherlands to the United citys. The investigation culminated in the seizure of 650,000 tablets of MDMA, approximately 42,000 Euros, 20 kilograms of Cocaine, and the arrest of 43 targets. The Government of the Dominican Republic government was instrumental in the arrest of several of these targets, currently awaiting extradition to the United citys. In December 2003, a DEA/Buffalo investigation was culminated with over 30 arrests and the complete dismantling of an extremely violent drug robbery crew active since 1998. The crew was responsible for distributing multi-kilogram quantities of Cocaine and Heroin in the Buffalo metropolitan area and obtained a large amount of their Cocaine and Heroin by committing violent home invasion robberies of other drug dealers, often in large apartment buildings, endangering the public. Usually armed during the robberies, members of the organization subdued, restrained, assaulted, and tortured victims. The crew was responsible for over 93 drug related robberies. In February 2004, a joint DEA/Buffalo and Internal Revenue Service investigation culminated Buffalo’s most extensive Methamphetamine investigation in several years with the arrest of eight individuals in Operation CHELSEA CONNECTION. Overall, during the seven month investigation 15 arrests were made, and 17 pounds of crystal Methamphetamine and $312,000 in cash and bank accounts were seized, dismantling the highest level crystal Methamphetamine organization active in Buffalo City.

DEA/Buffalo currently has 631 employees and 199 city/Local Deputized Task Force Officers stationed in eight cities and towns in the city of Buffalo.

DEA Mobile Enforcement Teams: This cooperative program with city and local law enforcement counterparts was conceived in 1995 in response to the overwhelming problem of drug-related violent crime in towns and cities across the nation. There have been 409 deployments completed resulting in 16,763 arrests of violent drug criminals as of February 2004. There have been 19 MET deployments in the city of Buffalo since the inception of the program: Niagara Falls, Southampton, Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Amsterdam, Utica, Monticello, Watertown, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, Mt. Vernon, Liberty, Hempstead, Spring Valley, Fallsburg, Geneva, and Kingston.

DEA Regional Enforcement Teams: This program was designed to augment existing DEA division resources by targeting drug organizations operating in the United citys where there is a lack of sufficient local drug law enforcement. This Program was conceived in 1999 in response to the threat posed by drug trafficking organizations that have established networks of cells to conduct drug trafficking operations in smaller, non-traditional trafficking locations in the United citys. Nationwide, there have been 22 deployments completed resulting in 608 arrests of drug trafficking criminals as of February 2004. There have been no RET deployments in the city of Buffalo.

Special Topics: Buffalo City is one of the world’s financial capitals, presenting numerous options for the movement and laundering of drug proceeds. Private banking facilities, offshore banking, wire systems, shell corporations, and trade financing have been used to mask illegal activity. Money has also been laundered through currency exchange houses, stock brokerage houses, casinos, automobile dealerships, insurance companies, precious metal and gem dealers, and trading companies. Most recently, cyberlaundering and the emergence of e-cash provide an extremely expeditious means of moving large amounts of money. Additionally, numerous large scale money transportation and/or money laundering organizations are active in Buffalo, servicing national and international drug organizations. These transportation/laundering organizations routinely conduct multi-hundred thousand dollars “pick ups” of drug cash from trafficking groups. The black market peso exchange and the “hawala” alternate remittance system are also used to move drug proceeds. Despite the extensive financial systems available in Buffalo, many trafficking organizations opt to physically smuggle bulk cash out of the area and/or out of the United citys.

Drug rehabilitation is a multi-phase, multi-faceted, long term process. Detoxification is only the first step on the road of addiction treatment. Physical detoxification alone is not sufficient to change the patterns of a drug addict. Recovery from addiction involves an extended process which usually requires the help of drug addiction professionals. To make a successful recovery, the addict needs new tools in order to deal with situations and problems which arise. Factors such as encountering someone from their days of using, returning to the same environment and places, or even small things such as smells and objects trigger memories which can create psychological stress. This can hinder the addict's goal of complete recovery, thus not allowing the addict to permanently regain control of his or her life.

Almost all addicts tell themselves in the beginning that they can conquer their addiction on their own without the help of outside resources. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. When an addict makes an attempt at detoxification and to discontinue drug use without the aid of professional help, statistically the results do not last long. Research into the effects of long-term addiction has shown that substantial changes in the way the brain functions are present long after the addict has stopped using drugs. Realizing that a drug addict who wishes to recover from their addiction needs more than just strong will power is the key to a successful recovery. Battling not only cravings for their drug of choice, re-stimulation of their past and changes in the way their brain functions, it is no wonder that quitting drugs without professional help is an uphill battle.

As an organization we are dedicated to finding the correct solution for your specific addiction problem. Our referral list contains over 3,000 resources which encompass the following treatment categories :

Drug Rehab, Buffalo, New York, NY

The ultimate goal of a drug rehab is to enable the individual to achieve lasting abstinence from drug use. The short term goal of a drug rehab is to help the individual through detox and withdrawal from drugs in addition to improving their ability to function in society again. A drug rehab will help minimize the medical and social complications of drug abuse.

Patients who stay in a drug rehab longer than 3 months typically have better outcomes than those who stay less time. Those who go through medically assisted withdrawal to minimize discomfort but do not receive any further rehab, perform about the same in terms of their substance use as those who never attended a drug rehab. Over the last 25 years, studies have shown that attending a drug rehab works to reduce drug intake and crimes committed by drug-dependent people. Researchers also have found that drug abusers who have been through a drug rehab are more likely to have jobs.

Inpatient Drug Rehab, Buffalo, New York, NY

Inpatient drug rehab is one of many methods whose ultimate goal is long-term abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Those who attend an inpatient drug rehab use the new tools they have learned to help them re-enter society and lead responsible, successful drug and alcohol free lives.

Inpatient drug rehab centers offer support and structure for men and women seeking help for problems with drugs or alcohol. Participants reside on location for the course of the rehab program; lengths of stay vary and may be individualized. Care at an inpatient drug rehab is provided 24 hours a day 7 days a week; this is only one of the benefits of attending an inpatient drug rehab.

Outpatient Drug Rehab, Buffalo, New York, NY

An outpatient drug rehab is a program designed to provide long-term abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Outpatient drug rehab programs use a broad verity of techniques. These techniques include a wide range of approaches including problem-solving groups, specialized therapies such as insight-oriented psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 12-step programs. Similar to other drug rehabs, the individual may stay in the program for several months or longer. Those who attend an outpatient drug rehab do not live at the drug rehab as they would an inpatient drug rehab.

Outpatient drug rehab programs vary in the types and intensity of services offered. Low-intensity outpatient drug rehab programs may offer little more than drug education and counsel. Other outpatient drug rehab models, such as intensive day treatment, can be comparable to residential programs in services and effectiveness, depending on the individual's characteristics and needs. All in all, the ultimate goal of an outpatient drug rehab is to help the individual recover from drug addiction so that they may re-enter society and lead responsible, successful drug and alcohol free lives.

Alcohol Rehab, Buffalo, New York, NY

Alcohol rehab is a place where an individual who has a drinking problem can receive help. Rehab is a program that helps the individual with their alcohol addiction and provides them with the tools necessary for a complete recovery.

Alcohol rehab works for many people who have problems with alcohol abuse. But just like any other drug of abuse, the individual has to be committed to make a change for the better. Some people stop drinking and remain sober. Others have long periods of sobriety with bouts of relapse. And still others cannot stop drinking for any length of time. With alcohol rehab, one thing is clear: the longer a person abstains from alcohol, the more likely he or she will be able to stay sober.

Drug Detox, Buffalo, New York, NY

The goal of detox is to rid the body of toxins accumulated by drug use. The first step of detox is drug withdrawal. Drug withdrawal is "the act or process of ceasing to use an addictive drug." Once an individual has discontinued using drugs physical and behavioral withdrawal symptoms may follow. Detox is a process that helps diminish the uncomfortable symptoms of drug withdrawal.

Detox is performed in many different ways depending on where you decide to receive treatment. Most detox centers simply provide treatment to avoid physical withdrawal to alcohol & other drugs. A quality detox program will not only to provide the individual with counseling during detox but help with the physical withdrawal and the psychological root cause of the individual's addiction problem, so as to decrease the chances of relapse.

Drug detox can be viewed in three separate stages:

1. Medical Detox: A medical doctor will need to supervise your medical withdrawal from drugs, ensuring you complete this phase safely and with minimal complications. Medical detox can take several days.

2. Physical Detox: Once your body is no longer dependent on drugs, you will need to work on building up your physical health. A nutritionist can be helpful during this phase, enabling you to develop a balanced diet to help you through the rest of the detox process.

3. Emotional Detox: Detox can be extremely difficult on your emotional health, which is why most treatment centers offer counseling during detox. Because drugs have become an integral part of your mental, emotional and social life, you will need emotional help as you detox.

You can overcome addiction and we can help. Contact us for free consultation today.