Staying clean and sober
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For some problem drinkers and drug users in recovery, the flooding disaster has made it difficult to remain sober. If you have a history of alcohol or drug dependence, or if think you would be better off avoiding the temptation, remember the old adage, "Stay away from the people, places and things that you associate with drinking and drugging."
Stress-induced relapse
The stress and trauma that people experience will vary from person to person. Many people may adopt or
resume unhealthy coping strategies after a disaster. People may begin or resume abusing substances because of
their disaster experiences. Even for people who have had long periods of abstinence, stress is a very powerful
trigger for relapse. Drinking alcohol, using drugs or even taking more medication than your doctor prescribes
will only worsen matters. People who use alcohol or other drugs to cope are more likely to develop serious
problems after a disaster such as the recent flooding. If you think you have a problem, this is a good time to
check it out. Call the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services at 1-800-522-5353
for help.
Recovery groups
If you are using drugs or alcohol or if you are taking more medication than prescribed, seek help. If someone
you know is having problems, urge him or her to get help. Groups are available to assist you in remaining
sober. Most 12-Step recovery programs have local 24-hour hotlines. They can tell you meeting times and
places. Members of AA and other recovery groups often go out of their way to help people get to meetings. Al-
Anon and Alateen programs are also available for family members.
Where to get help
If you think you have a problem with alcohol and drugs following the flood, there is help. You can start with
the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services at 1-800-522-5353. They have information on the
signs and symptoms of substance abuse problems, trauma, grief, and stress related to the disaster. Also, see the
list of other resources below or seek help from your clergy, a workplace service such as an employee assistance
program, or your health care provider.
How to help others
If you think a family member or friend is having a problem with drugs or alcohol here are some things you can
do to help:
- Try to remain calm, unemotional, and factually honest in speaking about their addictive behavior and its day-to-day consequences.
- Tell them that you are learning about alcohol and other drug abuse, attending Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Alateen, and other support groups.
- Discuss the situation with someone you trust- from the clergy, a social worker, a counselor, a friend, or someone who has experienced alcohol or other drug abuse.
- Establish and maintain a healthy atmosphere in the home. Try to include the person abusing alcohol or drugs in all aspects of positive family life.
- Explain the nature of addiction or alcoholism as an illness to the children in the family.
- Encourage them to develop new interests, renew friendships and participate in enjoyable activities.
- Be patient and live one day at a time. Alcoholism and other drug addictions generally take a long time to develop, and recovery does not occur overnight.
- Try to accept setbacks and relapses with calmness and understanding.
- Refuse to ride with anyone who has been drinking heavily or using other drugs.
New York State Office of Alcoholism and
Substance Abuse Services
1450 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203-3526
1-518-473-3460 or 1-800-522-5353 (24-hour helpline)
www.oasas.state.ny.us
Al-Anon Family Group
1-800-344-2666
National Referral Line 1-888-4AL-ANON
www.al-anon.org
Alcoholics Anonymous
www.aa.org/
Cocaine Anonymous
Phone 1-310-559-5833
International Referral Line
1-800-347-8998
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
20 Exchange Place, Suite 2902
New York, NY 10005
or 1-800-NCA-CALL
www.ncadd.org
Alateen
National Referral Line 1-888-4AL-ANON
www.al-anon.org/alateen.html