Hope and Help for Those Struggling With Substance Abuse During the Holidays

ALBANY, NY (12/22/2008)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today recognized several inspiring New Yorkers who are celebrating long-term recovery during the holidays and offer hope to the 2.5 million New Yorkers who are struggling with drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.

"New Yorkers who have overcome substance abuse can serve to inspire others who are struggling during the holidays that they too can enjoy this season healthy and in recovery," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "Recognizing an addiction early and seeking help now will help many more individuals enjoy the holiday season in the future."

OASAS reports indicate "post holiday blues" that in five of the last seven Januaries, admissions increased over December by at least 3000. The lowest increase was just over 1000 in January 2004, and the greatest increase was just over 5100 in January 2008.

Holiday festivities can often put significant strain on people suffering from an addiction. Factors such as stress, lack of confidence in social settings, low self-esteem, low self-worth, spending extended periods of time with relatives, and financial strain can lead to substance abuse or relapse for a person in recovery.

Too often, addictive disease is categorized as a disease of choice, and not a chronic disease that requires the level of treatment or monitoring associated with such diseases as diabetes and heart disease. Like other chronic illnesses, we need to manage alcohol and drug addiction over a lifetime and prevent relapse during critical times such as during the holidays.

"I have heard individuals in recovery say there are holidays they don't even remember because they were so concerned with getting their next high," continued Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "Recovery is about making new memories, ones you want to remember."

Here are words of hope and inspiration from New Yorkers celebrating life in recovery:

Keith Stack, three years in recovery, "Sobriety comes first! The key is to surround yourself with a sober support network. Without sobriety my Christmas would be time spent alone, versus a celebration with family and friends."

Kevin Garvey, celebrating 15 years in recovery, "This is the time of year when I become most grateful. I remember back when I was struggling in my addiction and how bleak and black the holidays were. Now, I have people in my life, good friends, family, people who care about me and I about them. Today, life is the greatest gift of all."

Ronnie Uss, 35 years in recovery, "For many years, the magic of Christmas was destroyed by my drinking and subsequent shame. Today, as I anticipate my 35th sober Christmas surrounded by children and grandchildren, I am filled with incredible gratitude and joy. Recovery is the gift that keeps on giving."

Eric Moore, 19 years in recovery, "Be of good cheer! Let nothing or no one prevent you from experiencing the joy of recovery, it's priceless."

Kristina Sellers, two years in recovery, "My days were dark but I knew one day I would wake up and there would be light. With the courage, strength, dedication; the need and want to change there was a better life for myself besides my addiction to drugs. I finally wake up and see the light because I wake without having to use and it is the best feeling in the world. During my addiction the holidays didn't matter but now in recovery I can spend time that I appreciate with family and friends and enjoy myself without having to use drugs. My advice to others in recovery or the ones fighting the disease of addiction is just believe in you and never give up."

Through the OASAS Stories campaign, Real People: Real Stories, individuals and loved ones are encouraged to share their stories of recovery on the OASAS Web site, www.oasas.state.ny.us. The stories will be posted on the OASAS website and stored in a Recovery Stories Bank which can be searched by viewers. The stories submissions will include first names and last initial, but will not require other identifying information in order to respect those who wish to remain anonymous.

New Yorkers who are in need of help for prevention, treatment or recovery services, or families and friends who would like to inquire about their loved ones, can call the OASAS information and helpline at 1-800-522-5353. This number operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and has trained professionals available to answer all calls, whether it is for treatment, mental health, housing or any other need.

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services programs, with 1,550 prevention and treatment providers. Through efforts such as the stories campaign, the agency hopes to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness for the over 110,000 New Yorkers it serves each day.

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