State Unveils New Hopeline for Drugs, Alcohol, Problem Gambling

ALBANY, NY (01/26/2009)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today unveiled a new toll-free telephone hopeline service 1-877-8-HOPENY offering help for alcoholism, drug abuse or problem gambling.

The new hopeline, which takes effect starting Feb. 1, offers assistance from clinically trained professionals on a confidential basis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo announced the new service at the annual conference of the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State, Inc. (ASAP), January 26.

"There are 2.5 million New Yorkers and their family who suffer from alcoholism, drug abuse or problem gambling," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "Through this service, we truly will offer the hope of recovery to individuals who need help, whether it is crisis counseling, a referral to treatment or information for themselves or loved ones."

The 1-877-8-HOPENY service is a consolidation of two former toll-free lines which have been operating in New York: 800-437-1611 for problem gambling calls and 800-522-5353 for chemical dependence. These two lines handled more than 25,000 calls a year from New Yorkers in need of services and those lines will roll over to the new service for at least six months. With now one call to make, individuals can receive comprehensive information and referrals for alcohol, drugs and gambling problems combined.

"Addiction is a chronic illness that not only affects the individual, but impacts their family, loved ones and the community," continued Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "I want to ask all New Yorkers to share this number with anyone who may need help. Recognizing an addiction early and seeking help now will help many more individuals take a step toward a life in recovery."

The combined service was expanded to provide crisis and motivational interviewing for callers in need, as well as follow-up calls 48 hours later for those who wish to be contacted. Customers will also have access to consumer-focused addiction crisis support and statewide referrals to services at more than 1,500 prevention and treatment providers across the state.

The state's hopeline is based at Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA). MHA has a long-standing history in providing quality services of this kind, including operation of the national SAMHSA Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the national call center for the American Red Cross and September 11^th Fund Mental Health and Substance Abuse Benefit Programs, and the American Red Cross Emotional Support for Recovery Program for victims of the 2005 gulf coast hurricanes.

Gerald McCleery, PhD, Associate Executive Director of the MHA of NYC said, "We enthusiastically support the decision to launch this as an integrated addictions helpline. We are strongly committed to doing our part to making sure that anyone seeking help at any time will find this to be an accessible, caring and responsive service that supports meaningful steps toward recovery."

Ellen Friedman, Ph.D., LCSW, CASAC, Program Supervisor at the Helpline said, "We are trained, committed and ready to do what we do best - support people in need with the services that will best meet those needs.

All staff answering the Hopeline are masters-level clinicians with training in substance abuse and problem gambling as well as motivational interviewing. As part of OASAS plan to further develop the Talent Pool of addictions professionals, all Hopeline operators are required to participate in numerous trainings throughout the year related to addiction. In addition, the Hopeline will be staffed by masters-level student interns from NYU and Hunter College School of Social Work to further develop their knowledge and expertise in the addiction field .

The former problem gambling helpline had been administered by the New York Council on Problem Gambling since 1995. With their support and collaboration, OASAS is pleased to be able to offer an expanded service to all those in need.

Jim Maney, Executive Director of New York Council on Problem Gambling said, "The New York Council on Problem Gambling firmly believes that the only balanced strategy to achieve significant progress in prevention, treatment and recovery of problem gambling must be based upon synergy among all stakeholders. Our state's newly combined Helpline provides a central information hub where any individual and/or loved one can seek and find information, assistance, and services on problem gambling. It will help raise awareness of the issues associated with problem gambling, which we believe will ultimately lead to better research, prevention, education, treatment and recovery."

The hopeline number will be publicized throughout the state and will also be placed on the back of New York lottery tickets, as the current problem gambling helpline number has been. As of Feb. 1, additional information regarding the hopeline will be provided on the OASAS website at www.OASAS.state.ny.us.

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