Good morning! Did you see the March 8th Wall Street Journal article that explored the question, "Do Parents Who Serve Teens Beer and Wine at Home Raise Responsible Drinkers?" It's worth checking out, but it's also amazing that in 2011 we are still debating whether or not it's a good idea for parents to give their kids alcohol. We know that alcohol consumption impacts brain development and that kids who start drinking under the age of 15 are six times more likely to develop dependence later on in life. The argument is an old one: "I'd rather have them do it my home where I can keep a eye on them and make sure they stay safe." Putting aside the fact that underage drinking is illegal, it's also patently unsafe. Most importantly, why have we conceded that our kids are going to drink no matter what we say or do? Alcohol remains the single greatest threat to teen safety and parents have a bigger influence on their kids than anyone or anything else. We're giving up too easy and we're giving too much away. Would we let our kids smoke cigarettes at the dinner table so that we can give them some pointers? Do we let our 14 and 15 year olds drive our cars now in hopes that they'll be better drivers as adults? I often ask parents - especially fathers with daughters - who argue passionately that drinking at the dinner table is a safer alternative, if they feel the same way about their kids having sex in the den. They recoil in horror, but begin to make the connections. Stay safe and have a great week!
Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D
Executive Director
PS: Don't forget to join us on Thursday for a safe and sober St. Patrick's Day at the Showplace in Bellmore. This comedy show - a fundraiser for LICADD - is headlined by the wonderful and talented standup comics from Recovery To Go - folks who share our belief that recovery and sobriety should be fun! The show starts at 8:00PM. Tickets are just $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Click here or call 516-747-2606 for tickets. |
| NCADD Featured on MTV | |
 Kudos to NCADD President/CEO Bob Lindsey who last week offered thoughtful commentary on the recent death of ex-Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr, whose struggles with addiction were documented on VH1's "Celebrity Rehab" and "Sober House. "The first thing to understand about alcoholism and addiction is that it's similar to other chronic illnesses, like heart disease or diabetes," said Lindsey. "It's chronic, it's progressive and it's fatal if it's untreated," he added. "Some people, despite the best efforts on their part and others, will die from their addiction. It's our hope that Mike's death will serve for many as the opportunity for them to either seek help for themselves, a friend or family member." Check out the rest of Bob's insightful comments here.
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Saturday Support Groups In Both Counties | |
 We kicked off our new Family Support Group in Ronkonkoma last month and are thrilled to announce that we're starting one in Williston Park as well. These groups help families get grounded, learn some facts about addiction, and come up with strategies that will help give them some peace of mind. It is an opportunity to gain perspective, new insights and walk away with fresh resources for coping with the disease of addiction. Most importantly, members will be able to connect with other families, and understand they are not alone.
Local residents with an addicted family member are welcome to attend, regardless of whether their loved one is in treatment, has begun the recovery process or is still actively using drugs or alcohol. The groups are professionally facilitated, completely confidential and meet every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:30AM both at LICADD's Williston Park office located at 207 Hillside Avenue and at our Ronkonkoma office, located at 2805 Veterans Highway, Suite 26. A $20 donation per person per week is suggested, but not mandatory. |
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Marin Institute Calls Out Usher & Belvedere |
 The Marin Institute recently noted the irony of Usher and Belvedere Vodka teaming up to launch a special edition bottle, with half the profits going to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. Drinkers of the product are told that their purchase "helps save lives." Of course, alcohol kills more people than AIDS; according to WHO, about 4% of deaths are attributable to drinking. Alcohol use is strongly associated with the spread of AIDS because those who are impaired are more likely to engage in high risk sexual behaviors and injection drug use. Alcohol also negatively impacts the health of those living with HIV infection. Marin goes on to note that as the vodka-maker recruits Usher, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent to push it's product to the Black community, black men in the US have six times the HIV infection rate of white men. |
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| Save The Date | |
St. Patrick's Day Comedy Show
Thursday, March 17
The Showplace at Bellmore |
LICADD's 24th Annual Angel Ball
Thursday, May 4
Oheka Castle |
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