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New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services announces opening of new recovery & outreach center in Buffalo

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Tue, Apr 18th 2017 02:00 pm

Center will provide free addiction recovery support programs & services for people in WNY

The New York State Office is Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) on Monday announced the grand opening of BestSelf Recovery Community and Outreach Center in Buffalo. The center will provide free support programs and services for Western New York residents in recovery from addiction.

The center is supported through a $1.75 million award from OASAS.

"People suffering from addiction must have recovery supports available, if they are to succeed in their pursuit of a substance-free life," OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said. "Supporting recovery centers, like BestSelf, is a key piece of the governor's aggressive, multipronged approach for addressing substance use disorders in communities across New York state."

"In my travels across the state, I have heard stories from people spanning all walks of life about the effects addiction has had on their families and loved ones," said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, co-chair of the governor's task force to combat heroin and opioid addiction, during the opening of the new treatment center. "This new center will expand opportunities for recovery and access to a wealth of resources for those who need them in Western New York."

"Lake Shore Behavioral Health is very pleased our BestSelf Recovery Center is now open and providing much-needed support to people recovering from addiction and their families," said Lake Shore Behavioral Health Inc. President Howard K. Hitzel, Psy.D. "The innovative services provided by the Recovery Community Center complement the treatment programs serving Western New York and will be a source of information and encouragement to recovering individuals and their loved ones."

OASAS said recovery centers promote long-term recovery by providing professional staff, peers and volunteers to engage and support people in recovery on their path toward wellness. The BestSelf Recovery Community and Outreach Center will offer peer support, skill building, recreation, wellness education, employment readiness and social activities in a safe, welcoming and alcohol-/drug-free environment.

BestSelf Recovery Community and Outreach Center will also provide the community with information on how to access addiction treatment and to assist with navigating insurance and treatment issues. Additional services will include peer-led addiction and recovery support groups; family support and resources; life skills training; linkage with community resources; health and wellness activities; community service opportunities; and education and vocational services. The services are all free, and are developed to support and empower the recovery community.

The BestSelf Recovery Community and Outreach Center, located at 69 Linwood Ave., is a partnership between Lake Shore Behavioral Health and Preventionfocus Inc. It is a community-based, nonclinical resource for individuals and families who are recovering from a substance use disorder or are seeking recovery services for a family member or friend. 

Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Lake Shore Behavioral Health is one of six providers, selected through a 2016 request for proposal process, to receive $350,000 in annual funding for five years to develop and operate recovery centers throughout New York.

OASAS said New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, seven-day-a-week "HOPEline" at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence or outpatient care can be found using the new OASAS treatment availability dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the access treatment page on the OASAS website. Visit the #CombatAddiction website at oasas.ny.gov/CombatAddiction to learn more about how to help #CombatAddiction in the community.

Visit www.combatheroin.ny.gov for more information on addressing heroin and prescription opioid abuse, including a "Kitchen Table Tool Kit" to help start the conversation about the warning signs of addiction and where to get help. For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the state's Talk2Prevent website.

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