FOR-NY, ASAPNYS & NYCB Host Conference to Celebrate & Promote Recovery from Addiction

ALBANY, NEW YORK – October 1, 2017 – Friends of Recovery – New York (FOR-NY), Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (ASAP), and the New York Certification Board (NYCB) today welcomed hundreds of recovery allies and advocates from throughout New York State and beyond to the Albany Capital Center to promote recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. The event, which kicks off at noon on Sunday and continues through Monday, includes keynote presentations, panel discussions and workshops led by state and national authorities on addiction and recovery including:

There are more than 23 million Americans struggling with addiction to alcohol and other drugs and another 23.5 million living meaningful lives in recovery from addiction. The shame and stigma attached to addiction and recovery keep those in recovery from speaking out about their success in overcoming addiction and keep those still struggling (personally or as family members of an individual struggling) from seeking the help they need. As a result, many Americans do not know that recovery is achievable or sustainable.

This year’s program is built around the theme “Recovery across a Lifetime,” and features more than 25 workshops, presentations and panel discussions addressing a variety of topics including the variety of pathways to recovery, engaging young people in recovery, intergenerational recovery, the role of the criminal justice system, medication-assisted recovery, Narcan, and much more.

The full schedule can be viewed here.

 According to Stephanie M. Campbell, Executive Director, Friends of Recovery – New York, “Recovery is on the move here in New York State, and we are grateful for our friends at the local, state and national levels for their expertise in shattering the stigma around addiction and carrying the message of hope that recovery is possible.  We appreciate the support of the Governor and the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) for their commitment to the recovery community and are delighted to partner with ASAP and the New York Certification Board (NYCB) in hosting the 2nd Annual New York State Recovery Conference. We look forward to the opportunity to share new and innovative information with recovery allies from across the state as we continue our efforts to raise awareness around addiction and recovery, and the need to support individuals and families affected by addiction.”

“The Recovery Community is a strong voice for prevention, treatment and recovery support services during this especially challenging time when we are dealing with a pandemic of overdose and addiction related to prescription opioids and heroin. That voice of hope that recovery can be real and that families and communities can emerge even stronger is resonating across New York. This conference will help to amplify that voice and hopefully move us in the direction of stronger recovery support services and stronger treatment and prevention services across our state,” said John Coppola, Executive Director of the Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Providers of New York State.

The science is clear, addiction is a chronic and progressive disease. It is not a moral failing. Like any other chronic disease, it is treatable, but not curable, and often requires ongoing support to sustain remission. The modern recovery movement is working to erase the shame and stigma by speaking out, not so much about the disease, but about life in recovery — restoring relationships and careers, returning to school, earning advanced degrees, running for office, winning Oscars and Olympic medals, contributing to society, and advocating for Recovery services and supports in communities throughout the nation.

ABOUT ASAP

The Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (ASAP) is committed to working together to support organizations, groups and individuals that prevent and alleviate the profound personal, social and economic consequences of alcoholism and substance use disorder in New York State. ASAP represents the interests of the largest association of prevention, treatment, and recovery support service providers in the United States. We also welcome membership from coalitions, business, organizations and individuals who support ASAP’s mission.

ABOUT FOR-NY

Friends of Recovery – New York (FOR-NY) is a statewide, non-profit organization with a mission to demonstrate the power and promise of Recovery from alcohol & drug addiction as well as the value that Recovery provides to individuals, families, and entire communities throughout New York State. We envision a world in which recovery from addiction is not only common, but celebrated; a world in which the entire spectrum of effective prevention, treatment, and recovery support services are available and accessible to all. www.for-ny.org

ABOUT NYCB

The New York Certification Board (NYCB), a project of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (ASAP), has as its mission to strengthen health and human services outcomes and enhance the recovery-oriented skills and capacity of the workforce by providing high quality testing, credentialing, and technical assistance.

Press Contact: Susan Murphy, FOR-NY Communications Director, [email protected] or 518-487-4395, X12

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