By Jasmyn Belcher
Oswego, New York – Hundreds of New Yorkers in recovery from addictions and their families are calling for more support.
In Albany yesterday, advocates rallied, urging state lawmakers to set aside $1.5 million for the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services in order to continue rolling out recovery community centers.
The president of Friends of Recovery-New York, Laura Elliot-Engel says there is a need for increased awareness about recovery. She says hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are dealing with addictions.
For specific numbers, Engel says, "It's really almost impossible to tell you a number in turn of folks in recovery at any given point on any day. There's 300,000 New Yorkers in treatment."
According to Engel, aside from the actual treatment for addictions, many people in recovery need assistance with life skills, such as crafting a resume and help with getting their G.E.D.