Help is available 

Drug and alcohol addiction does not discriminate. It affects individuals and families from all walks of life regardless of economic status, race, ethnicity, age or religion. 

Drug and alcohol addiction affects our ability to parent, to work, to go to school. The impact of drug and alcohol addiction can be seen in many segments of our society - lost productivity in the workplace, increased health care problems, increased involvement in criminal behaviors and increased risk for involvement in the child welfare system. 

Warning signs of an alcohol or drug problem
If you are unsure whether you or someone you know needs help with a drug or alcohol problem, the following warning signs may guide your decision to seek professional help:

• Using drugs or alcohol to forget about your problems
• Difficulty caring for your children
• Troubled relationships with family, friends or colleagues
• Decline in appearance
• Hiding the amount of alcohol or drugs you use
• Frequently borrowing money
• Poor attendance or performance at work or school

To learn more about the chronic disease of drug and alcohol addiction visit:

• NIDA InfoFacts: Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction
  Information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to help you understand what happens to your brain when you take drugs and why some people become addicted while others do not.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  An agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA provides information for professionals as well as the public on programs, campaigns, treatment locations and publications related to substance abuse.

• New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
  OASAS helps New Yorkers who are dealing with drug, alcohol or gambling addiction. Telephone counselors are available seven days a week - 24 hours a day. If calling for help within New York State, dial (800) 522-5353.

The chronic disease of drug and alcohol addiction is treatable.  Prevention and treatment programs are available throughout Westchester.

Students, their family members and local service providers such as teachers, caseworkers and youth services staff may call Student Assistance Services at (914) 591-HELP to access appropriate alcohol and substance abuse services in their communities. The telephone helpline is staffed by licensed clinicians and is available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.