LICADD needs your help as we shape federal, state and local addiction policies and practices. With both opiate addiction and government budget cuts on the rise, we are in the midst of a "perfect storm." You can make a difference, though!

Here's why: Very few lawmakers have a clear understanding of addiction and the needs of those impacted by the disease. We can't expect them to be experts in prevention, treatment and recovery. But we do know that when they are contacted by citizens who know and care deeply about alcohol and drug addiction, they listen and they act. 

LICADD, along with it's organization called "PUSH" (People United to Stop Heroin) is focused on mobilizing Long Islanders to address addiction, promote prevention and support recovery. The group is comprised almost entirely of people in recovery, families impacted by addiction and young people who have grown tired of burying their peers. PUSH members have testified at public hearings, spoken up at school board meetings, participated in press conferences and held meetings with elected officials.

On Saturday, January 22, 2010, we'll hold a Leadership Skills Training at the Sheraton Long Island in Hauppauge. The training will run from 10:00AM-4:00PM and you'll leave with a better understanding of how government works, how best to communicate with your elected officials and how to work with the media. We'll teach you how to share your story in a way that achieves maximum impact and we'll give you an overview of some of the most pressing issues facing the addiction field. You'll leave motivated and ready to make a difference in 2011!

This training is FREE and open to everyone, but space is limited, so please RSVP today by calling Shanella Walters at 516-747-2606. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

LICADD thanks the Long Island Community Foundation for supporting our advocacy efforts.

It's well-established that aftercare and support following substance abuse treatment is an essential part of maintaining one's sobriety and creating a strong foundation for recovery. LICADD's professional staff can help you or a loved one successfully transition from inpatient treatment back home or into a sober living environment. We'll help you recognize potential relapse triggers, get connected with a local support system and come up with a comprehensive relapse prevention plan that works for you.

Recovery isn't a destination; it's a journey. Similarly, relapse isn't an event, but a process. Most of those who relapse experience progressive warning signs that slowly but surely lead a person to go back to using drugs and/or alcohol. Most recovering people have never been taught how to identify and manage relapse warning signs, they don't notice them until the pain becomes severe, and then they revert to old, yet familiar coping strategies. Relapse is common but 100% preventable.

LICADD offers professionally facilitated Relapse Prevention Support Groups 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.

Our Relapse Prevention Support Groups will help you:
+ Identify relapse warning signs and manage your thoughts, feelings, personal reactions and beliefs.
+ Understand chronic stress reactions and develop healthy stress reduction activities.
+ Address addictive belief systems.
+ Recognize and analyze addictive thinking (denial and rationalization).
+ Address unmanageable feelings and learn emotional self regulation.
+ Defend against urges to use via new coping skills and self-defense plans for urges and cravings
+ Identify drug-seeking behaviors
+ Address 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.

For more information about our Relapse Prevention Groups, please call Steve Chassman, LMSW at 516.747.2606.

Rep. Patrick Kennedy Continues The Fight