Illegal drug use wasn’t a big concern in the Roosevelt Island subway. Overcrowding – now relieved by the pandemic – filth and homelessness made more noise. But now, the homeless wave that never quit, despite the Mayor’s and the MTA’s promises, appears to have brought along a friend. Apparent open illegal drug use is a regular feature in the local subway station.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
From Homeless to Homeless and Addicted
Homelessness, over the last twenty years, has been New York City’s worst preventable tragedy. In spite of endless promises and relatively easy solutions, mayor after mayor failed at making a serious dent. Tens of thousands are homeless, and many still take shelter in subway cars and stations.
Drug abuse is a major factor in homelessness. In fact, drug abuse is one of the leading causes of homelessness. Many people become homeless after losing their jobs and/or homes because of their addiction to drugs. Drug abuse can also lead to criminal activity, which can further contribute to homelessness.
But Has The Homeless Tide Brought Illegal Drug Use To Roosevelt Island?
One local resident says it has and provided The Daily with photos that appear to prove it. Our reader, who prefers remaining anonymous shared this photo.
Along the right side of the photo, a man seated on a folding chair appears to prepare a syringe.
According to some sources, 38% of homeless individuals are alcoholics, and 26% abuse narcotics.
Banyan Treatment Centers
The open illegal drug use did not catch the attention of the local police. It was still going strong a month later.
This week, a hooded individual, an apparent syringe in hand, may be injecting himself in the lower leg while a friend stretches out behind.
The Broader View
Just as important as recognizing drug addiction as a disease is seeing official neglect as a catastrophic failure of will and leadership. The problem grows because no one in authority does enough about it, although lip service is plentiful.
Some potential hazards of being in an area with illegal drug use in public include exposure to dangerous chemicals and pollutants, violence and infectious diseases. Illegally manufactured drugs may be contaminated with toxic chemicals, and users may leave behind used needles or other drug paraphernalia that spread disease.
Drug dealing and use can also lead to violence, as rival dealers or users fight over territory or drugs. Additionally, children may be lured into trying drugs by dealers who offer free samples.
How can you protect yourself?
If you live in or visit an area where illegal drugs are used, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Avoid contact with used needles or other drug paraphernalia. Keep an eye out for signs of violence and avoid areas where drug dealing or use is taking place, although that’s hardly possible where people rely on the subway while that’s where the drugs are.
Talk to your children about the dangers of drug use and keep them away from areas where drugs are used, if you can.
Finally, if you suspect someone is selling or using drugs in your area, contact the police.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- Queens Public Library Ransomware Attack: Digital Services Still DisruptedThe Queens Public Library ransomware attack continues to disrupt public computers, digital books and online services, with no confirmed restoration date.
- A new RIOC appeals officer denied records on how its general counsel was hiredA different RIOC appeals officer denied records on how RIOC hired general counsel Lance Polivy. RIOC’s internal deliberations on the hire stay withheld.
- Monday’s PSD blotter: two hospital transports, two disputesRIOC’s Nov. 9 PSD blotter lists 14 incidents, including four aided calls with two hospital transports and a verbal dispute at 750 Main Street that drew FDNY.
- Flushing Spa Murder: Man Charged After Woman Found Stabbed to DeathFlushing spa murder investigation leads to a murder charge against a 54-year-old man after a woman was found fatally stabbed in a Queens storefront.
- Sunday’s blotter: four medical calls, three non-criminal investigationsRIOC’s Nov. 8 PSD blotter lists 19 incidents, including four aided calls (two hospital transports) and three Investigation Non-Criminal entries at 465, 580 and 546 Main Street.
Susan Rosenthal, a Sacrificial Lamb?*
After Susan Rosenthal was fired, David Kraut would talk about almost anything except Susan. This was unusual because David could discuss a subject long after everyone else had exhausted both the subject and the available oxygen. When her name entered the conversation, however, he became careful. At first I mistook that restraint for discretion; later, I began to recognize guilt.
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