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At LICADD, we are seeing a large number of servicemen and women coming through our doors. Most have just come back from Iraq or Afghanistan and have endured several deployments. They're looking for help because re-adjustment to civilian life isn't easy and neither medical nor mental health services are readily available. As such, their use of alcohol and drugs - particularly pain meds - has gotten out of control. But Long Island's returning vets aren't alone.
USA Today published the results of a study last week that found that military doctors wrote almost 3.8 million pain medication prescriptions to service members in 2009 - more than four times the number of prescriptions written in 2001. More active service members? Yep. More injuries that legitimately require medications? Probably.
But here's the thing: While not all of these 3.8 million prescriptions are being abused, the report said that one in four military members admitted to abusing prescription drugs in the last year and 15% had abused prescription meds in the last 30 days.
Our country's historic treatment of returning vets has been checkered at best. As we enjoy the freedoms and safety our armed forces have fought to protect, it's time we do more to protect them and their families from the wide-ranging and dangerous consequences of addiction. At LICADD, we're proudly serving Long Island's veterans and look forward to announcing some exciting new initiatives shortly.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D
Executive Director |
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LICADD Town Hall on Underage Drinking in Sea Cliff Tomorrow Night |
With support from SAMHSA, Sea Cliff Mayor Bruce Kennedy & The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) invite you to a Town Hall Meeting on Underage Drinking.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 7:30PM-9:00PM Sea Cliff Village Hall, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff
Join parents, teachers, elected officials, youth, and other community members as we: Learn about how underage drinking affects our kids and the community; Speak out about your concerns, fears and ideas; Brainstorm possible strategies for keeping our kids safe.
If you cannot make it to Sea Cliff on Tuesday evening, think about stopping by the Suffolk County Legislature in Hauppauge for a public hearing on Leg. Tom Cilmi's thoughtful and proactive bill to limit the sale of games that promote binge drinking to minors. Bill text is here. |
| Youth Advisory Board Launch a Success! |
 LICADD's new Youth Advisory Board (YAB) held its first meeting a week ago and by all acccounts, the group is off to a great start. Sixteen young people ages 13-26 of diverse backgrounds gathered to share their experiences and opinions with the agency's staff responsible for prevention education, community outreach and adolescent services. Members gave feedback on LICADD's programs, website and social media outreach strategies. The group also brainstormed ideas for our forthcoming anti-heroin brochure. Their biggest piece of advice: Scare tactics alone don't work! We'll have another meeting in late April in Nassau County and all are welcome to attend. A great video clip featuring LICADD's Steve Chassman talking about the meeting is linked here. Those interested in joining this group of movers and shakers may call LICADD at 516-747-2606. |
| Relapse Prevention Support Groups |
Aftercare and support following substance abuse treatment is an essential part of maintaining sobriety and creating a strong foundation for recovery.
LICADD's professionally facilitated relapse prevention support groups help those in recovery recognize potential relapse triggers, get connected with local support systems and come up with a comprehensive relapse prevention plan that works.
LICADD's new Relapse Prevention Support Groups help those new in recovery to:
+ Identify relapse warning signs.
+ Understand chronic stress reactions and develop healthy stress reduction activities.
+ Recognize and analyze addictive thinking (denial and rationalization).
+ Address unmanageable feelings and learn emotional self regulation.
+ Create new coping skills and self-defense plans for urges and cravings
+ Identify drug-seeking behaviors
+ Make changes in social interactions and relationships (people, places and things)
+ Foster and accelerate shifts to healthy lifestyles
+ Nurture the recovery process and build healthy support networks.
LICADD's Relapse Prevention Support Groups meet on Mondays in Ronkonkoma from 4:00-5:30PM and on Thursdays in Williston Park from 4:00-5:30PM. People of all ages are welcome. Call 516.747.2606 to RSVP. |
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| Angel Ball 2010 |
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Bestselling Author & Public Advocacy Consultant to Caron Treatment Centers, Christopher Kennedy Lawford will receive LICADD's 2010 Humanitarian Award at our 23rd Annual Angel Ball on May 4, 2010 at the Garden City Hotel. LICADD Board Member and Baum-Essex Manufacturing CEO Bill Baum will receive the Founder's Award for his dedicated service. Scott Clark. Tickets are just $500 and sponsorships start at $1,500.
For more information, please call Rosanne Slattery at 516.747.2606. |
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| Save The Date! |
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30th Annual R. Brinkley Smithers Invitational Golf Outing
September 27, 2010
The Creek &
Piping Rock
21st Annual Peter Sweisgood Breakfast
November 14, 2010
Melville Marriott
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