Like getting yourself to the gym after you’ve already bought your membership, quitting an addictive behavior is an incredibly hard commitment to make. If you’re looking to start the New Year sans cigarette in hand or by cutting back on trips to the bar and/or liquor store it would do some good to take advantage of many of the resources available on Long Island.
STOP SMOKING – By now we all know that smoking is bad for us though many of us put on the blinders to avoid seeing the destruction cigarettes cause in lieu of a quick fix and a distraction from life’s other stresses. Many people try to quit but only an estimated 15% of people who quit smoking are cigarette-free six months later. Don’t let that discourage you. With strength and will power, if quitting is what you’re after quitting is what you’ll do.
- Nicotine Anonymous – A 12-step program and support group that meets every Wednesday from 7:30pm-8:30pm at Huntington Hospital (270 Park Avenue, Huntington). The program is FREE and welcomes visitors at all meetings but the third Wednesday of every month offers a special welcome to for anyone thinking of becoming a new member of the support group. Please call (631) 385-1410 for more information or visit Nicotine Anonymous’ website.
- New York State Smokers’ Quitline – NYS Smokers’ Quitline is a free and confidential for those looking to stop smoking. They offer a FREE starter kit with nicotine replacement medications for eligible smokers and a quitting coaches for guidance.
- Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island – The Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island was established as one of twenty-two coalitions in New York State who participates in American Stop Smoking Intervention Study. The coalition consists of health care providers, local and state government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups and other concerned citizens. They provide cessation classes at seven different locations on the Island. Check their website for more information.
QUIT DRINKING – While the goods time often come with drink in hand imbibing too much alcohol can do a number on your body, not to mention your wallet and possibly your reputation. Whatever the reason to quit may be, many people are not prepared to make such a drastic change in their lifestyle. Many fail to quit cold turkey and do better when they taper off their drinking habit gradually or practice moderation. There is a world of help on Long Island for anyone looking to tame this beast.
- Alcoholics Anonymous - Alcoholics Anonymous which is described as a “fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.” There are no requirements to join AA. The moment you wish to quit drinking is the moment you become a member.
- Nassau Intergroup of AA - Nassau Intergroup of AA is run entirely by volunteers and recovering alcoholics. Visit their website to find hotline numbers and an extensive list of AA meetings held in Nassau County. You do not need to be a Nassau County resident to attend these meetings.
- Alcoholics Anonymous of Suffolk County, NY – Like the Nassau Intergroup of AA, AA of Suffolk County began in the 1940s and saw a boom and more and more people settle down in the county in the 1950s and 60s. As of March 1998 AA of Suffolk County had over 390 groups with 750 weekly meetings. Check their website for a meeting nearest you. Suffolk County residency is not need to attend these meetings.
HYPNOSIS AS A MEANS OF QUITING –
- North Shore Hypnosis – North Shore Hypnosis offers hypnosis services to help you quit smoking among other things but today’s focus is smoking. Like moods and emotions fluctuate, they say, so does willpower and sheer willpower is not something to be relied upon. Through their Stop Smoking Program they will eliminate the very desire to smoke. Visit their website for contact information, hours and prices.
- Long Island Hypnosis – Long Island Hypnosis offers its services to help you stop smoking and/or drinking by reprogramming your subconscious and redesigning your life so that you may deal with the issues that brought about your addictions. Through hypnosis the need and the desire for these harmful substances are removed and you’ll find yourself on the path to a healthy life. Please visit their website for more information.
- Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – LICADD’s staff is dedicated to helping individuals, families and members of the workplace prevent or recover from alcoholism and/or other drug addictions. They provide a myriad of programs and services to those in need such as Problem Evaluation and Referral Services, Family and Workplace Planned Interventions, and Prevention through Education. Please visit their website for more information about these services and how to receive help.