In Recognition of Women's History Month OASAS Commissioner Encourages Women in Need to Seek Help for Addiction

ALBANY, NY (03/18/2011)(readMedia)-- In recognition of March as National Women's History Month, OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez encourages women who are in need of help for addictive disorders to seek the professional services they need.

Commissioner González-Sánchez said, "With health care reform sweeping the state and the nation, we are challenged to find innovative ways to improve our behavioral health services so that those in need can access the best possible care. Women who suffer from addiction often face unique barriers to accessing services, such as the responsibility to care for loved ones with little or no childcare. The OASAS system of care is available to help women overcome these barriers and offers gender-specific treatment that addresses their distinctive needs to start them on their journey of recovery."

OASAS certifies 1,150 treatment programs that include 62 programs specifically for woman and/or a program that will admit children along with their parent. Each year, roughly one-quarter of all admissions to treatment are women. These women are twice as likely as men in treatment to be responsible for the care of children (28 percent of women and 13 percent of men). In addition, OASAS works in partnership with other systems to ensure that women in need of help and their families can access the services and support they need to sustain a healthy and productive lifestyle in recovery.

New Yorkers who are in need of addiction services can find the help and hope they need by calling the OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369). The HOPEline offers confidential help 24 hours, 7 days a week for alcoholism, drug use or gambling problems.

"OASAS is committed to preserving access to health care for all New Yorkers," continued Commissioner González-Sánchez. "By calling the HOPEline anytime day or night, New Yorkers can be referred to the appropriate program, while also receiving assistance in finding services for other related concerns, such as housing and mental health. In addition, families and friends of individuals in need of treatment can call the HOPEline to inquire about help for their loved ones."

Commissioner González-Sánchez wants all women in recovery from addictive disorders to feel proud of their courage and to celebrate their achievements. Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com which is now in its third year, OASAS is fostering a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness. In addition to the hundreds of anonymous stories of recovery on the Website, each year 12 individual spotlight stories share their triumph over addiction.

One Spotlight reflects on the courage it took for her to obtain treatment. Now, she is proof for others that treatment works:

Lesa Densmore, who began her recovery on March 2, 2009, said, "I can't say I am proud of my more than 10-year history as a gambling addict, but I am proud of the courage it took for me to get treatment and move forward with a life in recovery. Today I choose to use my somewhat negative history as a source of strength, not a weakness. Because of it, I am able to make a positive difference in the lives of others battling gambling addiction and to be a strong, determined example and proof that treatment works and recovery is possible!"

Commissioner González-Sánchez said, "By carrying the messages of recovery, these stories can reach the 2.5 million New Yorkers still living each day with alcohol, drug or gambling addiction. If you are in recovery or are the friend or family member of someone in recovery, you can share your story at www.iamrecovery.com, anonymously if you wish, to help spread this message of hope."

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day.

For more information, please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

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