For Every Kind of Problem...There is a Solution

What are the things that make us happy? Many would say good health, people who care about us, people we love, a fulfilling personal life and a rewarding job. And happily, these things are free! Yet sometimes the things we value most threaten to slip away. It might be that quarreling at home is out of hand or money is running out before the month does. Perhaps pressure and stress from the job is becoming too much. Or worse, you or someone you love is dealing with an alcohol or other drug dependency. Chemical dependency is an agonizing and life threatening disease that impacts upon the addicted as well as their family. In addition, it can be devastating to the workplace of the individual. Everyone has problems to one degree or another at some time in their life. Some are so troubling, however, that professional help is needed. These kinds of problems can disrupt relationships at home and at work. Thats the reason LICADD provides a special kind of work place benefit that is free and confidential.

The Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (LICADD) was established in 1956 as the pioneer not-for-profit health agency to combat alcoholism and other drug addiction within the Long Island communities. The primary mission of LICADD is to reduce the incidence and/or prevalence of the disease of chemical dependency and other related problems. In pursuit of this mission the Council offers a variety of services, a significant one being its Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

LICADDs EAP began shortly after the Council was formed as a means to help identify and assist employees and/or their immediate family members who may be having a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs. This benefit lets the work organization not only resolve very costly problems in the early stages but also helps protect against wrongful discharge or negligent retention lawsuits.

Every call is confidential and therefore, doesnt affect promotional opportunities. One of LICADDs counselors will talk with you about your situation and help provide you with the best direction in which to take in order to deal with it. Often the problem can be resolved in just a few sessions. The first three visits at LICADD are free. If further counseling or other treatment is necessary, the client/employee will be referred to an EAP Provider Network. This network consists of doctors, hospitals, and therapists who have been carefully screened regarding their training and credentials. Once a referral has been made, LICADDs EAP representative works closely with the client to make sure the referral is appropriate. Schools on Long Island currently receiving EAP services from LICADD include those in the Bay Shore, Commack, East Rockaway, William Floyd and West Hampton Beach School districts. Remember, no problem is too small or too big for the Councils EAP to handle.

Vivian G. Hudson is an EAP Faculty Representative from West Hampton Beach High School. She sums up the service provided by LICADDs EAP best by stating, "Instead of having distracted employees weighed down by cares and concerns those who use this gift return to their place of work more focused and more capable of fulfilling their responsibilities."

Since its beginning in 1956, the Council has helped over 80,000 individuals and their families deal with alcoholism and other drug problems. Staffed by employees with backgrounds in administration and professional fields such as social work, addiction, counseling, nursing and employee assistance programming, LICADD is able to provide services in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Currently, about 300,000 individuals on Long Island suffer from alcoholism and other forms of drug dependence. Sadly, many of these victims are young people. Further more, this figure does not reflect the impact on their families or others affected. The help is there, waiting for you. Dont let an unresolved problem stand between you and the best things in life. If you are  interested in more information about LICADDs EAP please call LICADD's CEAP/EAP Coordinator at 516-747-2606