The Narcotic Addiction Control Commission was created in 1966 (Chapter 192) within the Department of Mental Hygiene to supervise the operation of alcohol- and narcotics-addiction treatment centers and coordinated community rehabilitation and prevention programs. In 1973 (Chapter 676), this commission was renamed the Drug Abuse Control Commission, and in 1975 (Chapter 667) it was replaced by the Office of Drug Abuse Services.
Legislation of 1977 (Chapter 978) divided the Department of Mental Hygiene into three autonomous offices, including the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. This office was comprised of two independent divisions: the Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, and the Division of Substance Abuse Services. Although the Department of Mental Hygiene had provided residential alcoholism services since 1961, the creation of the Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse broadened the State's response to growing awareness of alcoholism among New Yorkers.
The Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse and the Division of Substance Abuse Services were consolidated into one Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) by legislation of 1992 (Chapter 223). The duties of the Office were expanded in 1999 with the creation of alcoholism, substance abuse, and chemical dependence services to aid the elderly (Chapter 59).
From the New York State Archives, Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY. Agency record NYSV2108843-a
