Wednesday, December 16, 2015

'Kitchen Table Toolkit' Launched in New York to Combat Heroin, Prescription Drug Abuse

 

A new 'Kitchen Table Toolkit' has been introduced as part of the New York State Combat Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse campaign. This toolkit features two new videos which can be used by parents, teachers and community members to help begin conversations with youth concerning the health risks and dangerous consequences of heroin and prescription painkiller abuse.
 
"Talking about substance abuse and the disease of addiction can be a difficult conversation, but it can be a life-saving one," said Governor Cuomo. "This toolkit is a valuable resource for communities, school districts, and families across our state to help start serious conversations about the disease of addiction and the inherent dangers of drug use and experimentation."
 
The videos, available on the State's Combat Heroin website, feature real accounts of individuals in recovery who share their personal stories of denial, the progression of substance use, and the impact addiction had on their lives and the lives of their families.
 
The first video is focused on helping viewers at community forums, school personnel, PTA meetings, and in other group settings understand the prevalence of addition and how its impact knows no boundaries. The second video features testimonials from young people who share intimate details about the impact addiction has had on their lives, and the lives of their loved ones. Additional materials are available on the website to help guide public discussions on these topics. 

Senator George Amedore, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse said, "The new Kitchen Table Toolkit is a great resource to encourage conversation about the dangers and risks associated with heroin use and addiction, and to provide crucial information on how to get treatment for those who need it. I want to thank Commissioner Sanchez and OASAS for their continued efforts to increase education, awareness and prevention."

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Chair of the Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, said, "The heroin and opioid abuse epidemic has taken hold in New York and across the country. Prevention education is critical in the fight to prevent addiction and to save families the struggle of losing a loved one to addiction. I applaud OASAS for creating this vital resource and hope that New Yorkers across the state use this important and lifesaving tool kit."

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, "Children of parents who are involved and engaged are less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs. These videos are a great tool for adults to educate themselves about the reality of substance use disorders, so that they can help young New Yorkers understand the devastating effects of addiction."

The videos are the latest part of New York State's aggressive efforts to fight back against heroin and prescription painkiller abuse. Between 2005 and 2014, heroin treatment admissions in the State increased by 31 percent and nationally, the heroin-related overdose death rate has increased 286 percent from 2002 to 2013.

To download the toolkit, visit New York State's Combat Heroin website. For additional tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the State's Talk2Prevent website. New Yorkers can find help for addiction and hope by calling the State’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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