State's Addiction Services Responding to Veteran Needs

ALBANY, NY (11/10/2010)(readMedia)-- In support of the one million veterans living in New York, New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today urged veterans battling addiction to utilize the specialized addiction services now available for veterans and their families.

"We owe the same commitment to our veterans and their families that they have given to us," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "Annually, 14,000 veterans are admitted to an OASAS treatment program. We see first-hand their injuries, both physical and psychological. In New York, we are breaking ground to ensure that our prevention, treatment and recovery programs are trained on military culture and equipped to address the needs of our veterans and their families."

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo also honored veteran David Scales as a role model for all veterans who are seeking help for an addiction problem. Mr. Scales is one of 12 individuals whose story of recovery is on the state's Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com. "As an Army infantryman in Vietnam, I wanted no part of anything military once I was discharged. For forty years the things I saw and did there haunted me so that I sought refuge in drugs and alcohol. That all changed for me in 2007 when I entered Samaritan Village Veterans Program. With their help, I am three years in recovery and can also say that I am a proud Army Veteran who served this country honorably. This year will be my fourth consecutive year marching with other veterans in the New York City Veterans Day Parade."

Research shows that because of the unique military experience, veterans are at higher risk for alcohol, substance use and gambling problems. Through their service, many military personnel in New York have experienced trauma or suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, repeated and extended deployments have been associated with increased alcohol and substance use, gambling problems and other health concerns. Although reintegration to home and family can be a happy time, it may also lead to stressors that can manifest as alcohol, drug use or gambling problems for both the returning service member and family members.

"OASAS is training addiction professionals around the state to understand and meet the specific needs of our military personnel," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. OASAS now has a Veterans services coordinator and in the past year, OASAS has participated in 12 "Yellow Ribbon" events, sponsored by the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, to provide returning troops and their families with helpful information and referrals.

In a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the NY Division of Veterans Affairs, OASAS developed a training designed to familiarize addiction professionals with the issues faced by veterans and their families, particularly those recently returned from deployment. Trainings were conducted in Buffalo, New York City, Rome, Northport, and Montrose. Additional trainings are schedule for Canandaigua and Albany.

OASAS has also awarded $26 million to four providers in upstate New York for the capital development and operating costs for 100 new residential beds. Awards were made to: Samaritan Village in Ellenville specifically to serve women veterans, which is the first of its kind in New York; St. Joseph's Rehabilitation in Saranac Lake; Horizon Health in Sanborn; and 820 River Street in Altamont.

The Commissioner urged veterans and their family members to call the state's toll-free, 24/7 HOPEline for information and referrals on addiction services at 1-877-8-HOPENY. Addiction is a chronic disease, but New Yorkers need to know that help and hope is available. The toll-free line is staffed by trained clinicians ready to answer questions, help refer loved ones to treatment and provide other vital resources to facilitate that first step into recovery.

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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