Substance Abuse Common, Treatment Available

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Addiction affects millions of people.  The National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Association reports that 69 percent of Americans report they know someone who struggles with alcohol or drug abuse.  In many cases, those suffering die due to overdose or complications with disease caused by addiction or abuse.  One in four deaths is attributable to alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use.

The National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Association estimates that 2.8 million people age 12 or older have used an illicit drug within the past 12 months.  This is an average of 8,000 new users each day.

Unfortunately, emerging drug trends reflect that over-the-counter drug usage, combined with prescription drugs, alcohol and methamphetamines are on the rise.  In 2006, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health noted a sharp increase in abuse of prescription drugs.  Also, in 2006, the National Drug Intelligence Center’s National Drug Threat Survey revealed that 78 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies reported either high or moderate availability of illegally diverted pharmaceuticals. Pain relievers, sedatives, tranquilizers and stimulants were obtained “from a friend or relative for free,” police often report.  Also, the use of pain relievers increased by 11 percent between 2005 to 2006.

Fortunately, there is help for those willing to ask for it.  For smokers, there is 1-800-NYQUITS, a hotline which puts smokers in direct contact with a professional to help them quit.  Those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs may contact the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (NYS-OASA) at www.oasas.state.ny.us or 1-800-522-5353, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A counselor is available to speak with, assess needs and refer treatment for the caller or a family member.

There are 1,550 treatment, prevention and recovery programs available throughout the state. Services treat specific audiences, such as women who have children, men, adolescents and many other demographics.

NYS-OASA will sponsor its first Recovery Conference Sept. 14-15. Those in recovery and their families are encouraged to attend in Albany.  NYS-OASA will also host its 5th Annual Recovery Fine Arts Festival which showcases the achievement of artistic expression by persons in recovery. Artwork submitted will be on display at the Empire State Plaza Concourse during September, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recover Month. Deadline for submissions is Aug. 15.

If you have any questions or comments or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office by mail at 200 North Second Street, Fulton, New York 13069, by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling (315) 598-5185.

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