Eric Adams advances fight against NYC public drug use with new law allowing doctors to involuntarily commit addicts
Adams on Wednesday will unveil the 'Compassionate Interventions Act,' a proposed state law that would expand involuntary commitment for people suffering substance abuse disorder, The Post has learned.
The change would help New York City fight public drug use, officials said — a scourge in places such as The Hub in the Bronx, where addicts openly inject heroin and other narcotics
3 New York City Mayor Eric Adams waits to speak after being endorsed by members of law enforcement for re-election, at City Hall in New York City, July 17, 2025.
REUTERS
The bill — which will be introduced in the 2026 state legislative session — would put New York in line with 37 other states that allow drug addicts to be involuntarily committed, officials said.
'Our administration refuses to turn our backs on New Yorkers in need, and with today's announcement, we're laying out a vision that will help get everyone the support they need,' Adams said in a statement.
'In the name of public safety, public health, and the public interest, we must rally to help those in crisis because 'anything goes' is worse than nothing at all.'
The proposed law would be a sequel of sorts to the Supportive Interventions Act, a new involuntary commitment law law that Adams had successfully pushed for during the last legislative session.
Before the change, people could only be committed against their will if they showed a substantial risk to physically harm themselves or others.
3 A zonked-out junkie stands near sanitation workers sweeping Roberto Clemente Plaza on East 149th Street and Third Avenue in the Bronx on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, following a visit from Deputy Mayors Camille Joseph Varlack, Kaz Daughtry, and NYPD commanders.
Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post
3 A drug dealer on an electric bike sells to zonked-out junkies at Roberto Clemente Plaza on East 149th Street and Third Avenue in the Bronx on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post
The law now allows officials to take mentally ill people off the streets if they're so sick that they cannot feed, clothe or otherwise take care of their essential needs.
Adams this week launched his 'End Anything Goes' campaign, an election-year push to show how his administration is cracking down on public disorder, while expanding services for New Yorkers with mental illness and addiction.
The Compassionate Interventions Act would allow medical professional to transport people who appear to be struggling with addiction, as well as allow judges to mandate treatment if they refuse voluntary care.
The mayor's plan will also invest $27 million focused on improving access to drug treatment, boost funding for syringe service programs by $14 million and create a new drop-in space at The Hub, officials said.
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