OASAS Commissioner Tells Children of Alcoholics, "Your Story Matters"

ALBANY, NY (02/12/2010)(readMedia)-- In an effort to raise awareness during Children of Alcoholics Week, NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today recognized the unique struggles of children of alcohol-dependent parents and urged them to share their stories of perseverance and victory as a message of hope for the families of the 2.5 million New Yorkers still struggling with drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.

"Alcoholism is a family disease; it impacts those suffering from the addiction as well as the friends and family members who've watched the disease take hold," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "Young people with substance-abusing parents are four times more likely to become addicted if they choose to drink alcohol or use drugs. Children of Alcoholics Week raises awareness of the far-reaching impact of alcoholism on families, aids in the understanding of this treatable, chronic disease and supports the reality and probability of recovery."

In order to build a better understanding of the effects of the chronic disease of addiction and to promote the importance of prevention, the power of treatment and the possibility of recovery throughout the state, Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo launched the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com in January 2009.

Since then, hundreds of individuals from New York to California have shared their stories to offer hope, eliminate unwarranted stigma and promote lives of sobriety and wellness. In addition to submitting a story of recovery on the interactive website, site visitors can read the hundreds of inspirational stories submitted, download campaign promotional materials and watch videos of the 12 "spotlight stories" highlighted during this year's campaign.

Joan Hajjar, now 16 years in recovery and one of the state's 12 Your Story Matters campaign "spotlights," tells a story of gratitude for a life returned -- a life that included being a mother again. Joan's daughter, Erica, responded with her own story after her mother became a campaign spotlight in September 2009.

When I was four, my mom made the most difficult decision a parent can make. Battling addiction, she realized it was best that I leave her care and live with my paternal grandparents. It wasn't until I was in high school that we began to form the close relationship we have now. At 23 years old, I have pushed the flashbacks of my parents' fighting to the deepest parts of my brain -- and instead, focus on the wonderful memories my mother and I have worked so hard to create. Without recovery, I would not have her here with me today. Most of all, I appreciate the important lesson she's taught me: with patience and understanding, a person can truly get through any hardship. She is my own 'Joan of Arc.'

"Erica's story is not unlike the one in four youths living with an alcoholic parent," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "Addiction is a devastating disease -- we see it on the television, in the theater, splashed in the tabloid headlines. We need to see more of the success stories: the victories; the endless possibilities of a life of recovery, health and wellness; the families reunited; and the lives saved."

In order to make a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers, www.iamrecovery.com showcases the stories of those individuals now celebrating recovery, as well as the stories of the friends and family who were once caught in the turmoil of a loved one's addiction. If you are in recovery or are the friend or family member of someone in recovery, OASAS encourages you to share your story at www.iamrecovery.com, anonymously if you wish, to help spread this message of hope.

"The stories I read each day, stories like Joan's and Erica's, offer hope not only to those suffering, but for the family members who no longer wish to lie awake at night wondering if there is redemption, wondering if they will get 'the call' that someone they love has been swallowed up by a disease that could have been prevented, could have been treated," added Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "I, too, am the child of an alcoholic, and my Dad, now in recovery for 26 years, has given me permission to tell 'our story.' I can proudly say that I am certain of three basic but powerful principles: Prevention is proven, Treatment works and Recovery is possible."

By carrying the messages of prevention, treatment and recovery, these stories can reach the 2.5 million New Yorkers still dealing with drug, alcohol or gambling addiction. If you are the friend or family member of someone in need of relief from a substance use disorder or a problem gambling addiction, please call the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day a week HOPEline, 1-877-8-HOPENY, staffed by trained clinicians ready to answer your questions, help refer loved ones to treatment and provide other vital resources to facilitate that first step into recovery.

Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, OASAS hopes to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness.

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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