Suffolk County Health Committee Updated on 24/7 Substance Abuse Hotline

LongIsland.com

Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. invited Steve Chassman, Executive Director of LICADD, to come before the Health Committee for an update on the 24/7 Substance Abuse Hotline program.

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The 24/7 Substance Abuse Hotline # is 631-979-1700.

Riverhead, NY - March 7, 2017 - With the one year anniversary of the Suffolk County 24/7 Substance Abuse Hotline approaching, Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. invited Steve Chassman, Executive Director of LICADD, to come before the Health Committee on Thursday, March 2nd, to provide an update on the program. “The impact of substance abuse continues to devastate individuals, families and communities throughout Suffolk County. It’s imperative that we maintain a dialogue with our partners in our fight against this crisis.” stated Legislator William R. Spencer.

With the highest number of overdose fatalities in New York State, Suffolk County continues to battle the effects of substance abuse. In partnership with Communities of Solution and LICADD, Suffolk County launched this Hotline in April of 2016 as a resource designed to connect services to addicts and their loved ones who are seeking help.

The hotline statistics from April 2016 to January of 2017 indicate that a total of 581 calls were received. Of those 581 calls a total of 321 people, or 59%, were successfully connected to treatment or support services. The highest volume of calls came in during the months of October and January. The majority of callers were heroin abusers; alcohol abuse was the second most reported followed by those abusing three or more substances (polysubstance). The hotline also provided a total of 1,119 follow-up calls since the program’s inception. 

“Because substance related crisis can occur any time of day or night, the Hotline, answered by LICADD clinicians, is available 24 hours a day to assist individuals and families in their time of need. The program opens the window for addicts to access needed services and begin their road to recovery.” stated Executive Director of LICADD, Steve Chassman, LCSW, CASAC.

The 24/7 Substance Abuse Hotline # is 631-979-1700.