Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

LICADD is a proud sponsor of The Criminal Justice Addiction Workgroup of Suffolk County’s Bridging The Gap conference. We are excited to engage with our peers and leaders in the field at this vital conference and be a part of this important conversation.

Exciting news! LICADD is thrilled to announce our participation in the upcoming Mental Health March in Port Washington, where Executive Director Steve Chassman will be among the speakers at this impactful event. Join us as we unite together with Project HELP Long Island, Kiwanis Manhasset-Port Washington, the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation and the Manhasset CASA to raise awareness, advocate and amplify our voices! A heartfelt thank you to Project HELP Long Island for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. #mentalhealthmatters #jointhemarch #longisland #portwashington

DEA Issues Warning About Illegal Online Pharmacies October 4, 2024 – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has seen an increase in illegal online pharmacies selling and shipping counterfeit pills made with fentanyl and methamphetamine to unsuspecting customers in the United States who believe they are purchasing real pharmaceutical drugs such as Oxycodone, Adderall, Xanax, and other drugs from legitimate pharmacies. As Americans increasingly turn to online pharmacies to purchase necessary medications[1], DEA is issuing this Public Safety Alert to warn of an increase in illegal online, often foreign-based websites that are deceptively targeting American consumers. DEA has identified websites being operated in India and the Dominican Republic. Many of these sites purport to be legitimate, U.S. based or FDA approved sites, but are actually working with drug traffickers to fulfill online orders with fake pills. These website operators are going to great lengths to make the websites look like legitimate online pharmacies – they offer 24-hour customer service, post online reviews and safety facts, and offer deep discounts to deceive customers into believing they were buying from a reputable business. Often these illegal, online websites use U.S. website addresses and professional-looking designs to appear legitimate when, in fact, they are not. These companies operate illegally, deliberately deceiving American customers into believing they are purchasing safe, regulated medications when they are actually selling fake, counterfeit pills made with fentanyl or methamphetamine. Fake medications can lead to serious health risks, including harmful side effects, ineffective treatment, and even death. During Operation Press Your Luck, announced on Monday, September 30, 2024, DEA discovered that a U.S. based victim had ordered what she believed to be oxycodone from an online pharmacy, only to receive a fake pill made with fentanyl. The pill looked identical to a real oxycodone, but it was not - it was made with fentanyl and filler. Days after receiving the medication, the victim passed away from acute fentanyl poisoning as a result of taking one of the pills sent to her. Learn more:

Join us at the Father Peter Sweisgood & Gabriel's Giving Tree Healing & Recovery Breakfast honoring John Flanagan and Eileen and Larry Lamendola on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Heritage Club at Bethpage. Addiction impacts the entire family, and our partnership with GGT allows us to address these challenges through our comprehensive recovery and grief support services. We're inviting all treatment providers, behavioral health professionals, community leaders, and government officials to make a difference! Your contributions through ticket purchases or sponsorships will support at-risk Long Island individuals and families by providing vital resources for both recovery and grief assistance. Let's come together to celebrate the miracle of recovery and support those who are healing. Don't miss the opportunity to make an impact! Visit licadd.org/psbggt2024 to secure your tickets and sponsorships today!

LICADD, Gabriel's Giving Tree (GGT) and Families in Support of Treatment (FIST) was honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with parents, grandparents, friends and children to illuminate the heartbreaking impact of the opioid/fentanyl crisis at the profoundly moving Trail of Truth 'March to the Sea' art installation on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Robert Moses Beach. Each crafted tombstone tells a story of a life cherished. As we gathered to memorialize those we've lost, we were reminded of the strength found in community and the urgent need for awareness and action. #trailoftruth #honoringlives #togetherweheal Special thanks to Rick Kopstein for capturing this impactful event.

Happy Rosh Hashanah from all of us at LICADD! We wish a Happy and Healthy New Year to ALL!

Explore how addiction impacts the family system whether your loved one is actively using or in recovery. Learn to recognize the signs of substance use – the changes in behavior, choices, and attitudes that can indicate a problem. Lastly, gain valuable insights and practical steps you can take to support your loved one and navigate this journey. With presentations from LICADD and Mountainside Learning Institute, this forum will offer a comprehensive understanding of addiction and the resources available to families. Find hope, connect with resources, and discover steps to support your loved one on the road to recovery. To register to attend, visit mtsi.de/hope-healing

LICADD is HERE to provide support to you or someone you know through our diverse range of clinical programs and services. Check out our October 2024 schedule that details support available for every member of the Long Island community. Contact Director of Programming Adam Birkenstock, LCSW at (516) 747-2606 or email abirkenstock@licadd.org to attend these sessions to empower you or someone you know with the tools needed for recovery and support! #healingtogether #recoveryispossible #longisland #communitysupport

LICADD extends our deepest gratitude to Scanlan Theodore, an incredible women-led boutique, that recently hosted a Sip N’ Shop/Shop for a Cause networking and shopping event in support of LICADD’s Professional Growth and Development Program. Thanks to their beautiful space and support, mentees had the opportunity to not only try on stunning fashion pieces but also connected with inspiring women leaders who are guiding them on their path to recovery and career success. With 20% of the proceeds benefitting LICADD’s Professional Growth and Development Program for Women, we’re thankful for all those who rallied around our mission and the powerful connections made that night. Every mocktail sip, shop, and shared story was a step toward healing and empowerment. Your support is invaluable! #NationalRecoveryMonth #ShopForACause #WomenSupportingWomen #RecoveryIsPossible #MentorshipMatters

Join LICADD and Gabriel's Giving Tree for a heartwarming day of healing and recovery on Sunday, October 27th as we come together to honor John Flanagan and Eileen & Larry Lamendola and support those who are in their journey to recovery at the Father Peter Sweisgood and Gabriel's Giving Tree Healing & Recovery Breakfast. Connect with others who understand the unique challenges of loss and recovery, and gain strength from one another and witness the profound impact of shared support and empathy. We hope you will join with treatment professionals, community leaders, government officials and families across Long Island as we gather to support and to celebrate the miracle of recovery at the Heritage Club at Bethpage. To purchase your tickets and/or sponsorship, scan the QR code or visit https://lnkd.in/epuWUxPw or the button below to show your support today. For more information, contact The Development Department at (516) 747-2606 or email abrooks@licadd.org. 👼 Would you like to help us beautify our Angel Tree with a photo of your loved one that is in Recovery in Heaven and has left this earth due to overdose or poisoning? Please send their name, photo, date of birth and deceased date to gabriel.giving.tree@gmail.com Please send in by Tuesday, October 15, 2024 We will put wings, a hanger and laminate your photo and then place it on the Angel Tree. If you may have questions, please call 631-786-0368