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 News
Reprinted from Newsday October 17, 2009 The secret's out: Drug and alcohol abuse among boomers, seniors There's an alarming secret some boomers and seniors are hiding: They are risking their lives because of dangerous behavior. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that nearly 25 percent of men ages 50 to 64 in a research study admitted to binge drinking (having five or more drinks within a few hours) within the past month. About 10 percent of women in that age group said they had been binge drinking. Among those 65 and older, 14 percent of men and 3 percent of women admitted to binge drinking. The study concluded that "a surprising number of older Americans are engaging in drinking patterns that are putting their health at risk, yet these problems often go unrecognized." The danger increase for those who misuse prescription drugs. "Some people, as they get older, their support systems shrink, so they have a limited opportunity for direct contact with others," says Jamie Bogenshutz, executive director of YES Community Counseling in Massapequa. She warns loved ones of suspected drug and alcohol abusers to look for warning signs... Video Highlights from NAFAS
Addiction Services HOPEline The New York HOPEline number, 1-877-8-HOPE NY, became effective at midnight, February 1. The new HOPEline is a leading resource in finding help for addictions. The HOPEline service is contracted through the Mental Health Association (MHA) of New York City which offers assistance by masters-level clinicians, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides follow-up calls within 48 hours to those individuals who wish to be contacted. Click here to download more information.
NAFAS and The Quality Consortium of Suffolk County Host Legislative Breakfast to Secure NYS Funding for Drug Treatment Programs and Services October 10, 2008 – Melville, NY (USA) – The Nassau Alliance For Addiction Services (NAFAS) and The Quality Consortium of Suffolk County (QC) recently hosted a Legislative Breakfast on Friday, September 28, 2008 to help raise awareness and educate policy makers in securing much needed funding for agency programs. The annual event was a rousing success with 450 people in attendance including over two-dozen legislative offices representing both federal and state governments, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties. Senate Majority Leader (and Key Note Speaker) Dean Skelos, N.Y.S Assemblyman Felix Ortiz and N.Y.S Association of Substance Abuse Providers Executive Director John Coppola were among the featured guest speakers.
NAFAS President Jamie E. Bogenshutz explained that it is imperative that New York State continues to fund these treatment programs. "Over the years our agencies have worked diligently to educate policy makers, elected officials and community members as to the critical implications of chemical use and abuse. If our legislators abandon the current form of funding to provide treatment and counseling services, more and more addicted persons (and their families) will not receive the proper treatment and services. Now more than ever, we need the State's support." She added that the failure to provide help to the growing number of people seeking services at not-for-profit agencies in a timely manner leads to social, medical and legal costs to taxpayers in the future. If you need immediate help or advice, call the Nassau County Drug & Alcohol Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: (516) 481-4000. NAFAS (Nassau Alliance For Addiction Services), a not-for-profit coalition of community service providers committed to delivering affordable, accessible and comprehensive prevention and treatment services for individuals and families faced with the consequences of drug, alcohol and other addictions and abuses, including gambling. _______________________________________________________________ You're never alone on the road to recovery. Click here to view the NAFAS brochure. If you are looking for an addiction recovery program or service in Nassau County click here. If you need immediate help or advice, call 516-679-1111 or call the 24/7 New York State HOPEline at 877-8-HOPENY (877-846-7369).
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Discussions highlighted the importance and urgency for New York State funding for nonprofit addiction treatment programs. As Long Island treatment and prevention providers, NAFAS and QC partner with one another to create cohesive, collaborative and cost effective responses to the critical problem of chemical use and abuse. In order to provide quality comprehensive services, the coalition must secure funding to continue to provide much needed services to those in need. Legislative involvement is critical in order to preserve essential funds for the future of treatment services. 