OASAS Lauds Governor's Leadership on Reforming Rockefeller Drug Laws

ALBANY, NY (03/27/2009)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today stood with Governor David A. Paterson and legislative leaders in announcing reform of the Rockefeller Drugs Laws.

"Governor Paterson is to be commended for his leadership in reforming the Rockefeller Drug Laws and recognizing that addiction is a disease that requires treatment, not incarceration," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "This is an historic and long-awaited change and OASAS and the state's treatment providers stand ready to provide the needed treatment that will help families, strengthen communities and save lives."

Eighty percent, or 47,200, of the individuals currently in the state prison system have a substance abuse problem and need treatment. The evidence shows that those who are currently diverted into treatment instead of prison have a lower recidivism rate - as much as 45 percent lower.

When fully implemented, these reforms will lead to a significant investment in the OASAS addiction treatment system, one of the nation's largest with more than 1,550 programs which serve 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day.

Addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling is a chronic disease and New Yorkers need to know that help and hope is available. Individuals can get help by calling the toll-free, 24-hour 7 days a week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY. For more information, visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

For more information on recovery from addiction and real stories of successful recovery, read about the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, OASAS is working to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness.

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