Newsday continued its excellent coverage of Long Island's opiate crisis last week with a story about the dramatic increase in treatment admissions related to prescription drug abuse. The numbers are startling and become even more significant considering that some of LICADD's clients choose out-of-state rehabs, which aren't part of New York State's official stats. To be sure, some of the best addiction treatment in the world is available right here on Long Island and in New York. That's why about 75% of our placements remain in NY. Others though, are looking for a particular specialized service, have heard about a particular facility from a friend or family member, believe that they'll get more privacy in a community other than their own, or want a fresh start with a complete change in scenery. Bed capacity on Long Island, too, remains an issue, particularly for adolescents.

 

Referring beyond the boundries of Nassau/Suffolk is hard work and frequently means 10-hour car trips as we scout-out and do site visits at rehabs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut. Still, we know that there are many paths to recovery and our job at LICADD is to give our clients as many screened and solid options as possible.

 

Our affiliation with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence make us part of a national network and we're proud of the relationships we've created with top-quality treatment providers nationwide. A special thanks to treatment providers here on Long Island and across the country who work so hard to improve the lives of those suffering with addiction. We truly appreciate all you do.