Cuomo: State Has New Weapon In Fight Against Opioid Addiction

The state has launched, he said, its new “Kitchen Table Toolkit,” which has two videos that parents, teachers, and community members can use to begin conversations with young people about the health risks and dangerous consequences of heroin and prescription painkiller abuse.

"Talking about substance abuse and the disease of addiction can be a difficult conversation, but it can be a life-saving one," Cuomo said, calling the kit a “valuable resource.”

The videos are the latest part of the state’s aggressive efforts to fight heroin and prescription painkiller abuse.

Between 2005 and 2014, heroin treatment admissions in the state increased by 31 percent and nationally, the heroin-related overdose death rate has increased 286 percent from 2002 to 2013.

The videos feature real accounts of individuals in recovery.

The first video focuses on helping viewers at community forums, school personnel, PTA meetings, and in other group settings, understand the prevalence of addiction and how its impact knows no boundaries.

The second video features testimonials from young people who share intimate details about the impact addiction has had on their lives, and the lives of their loved ones.

Additional materials are available on the website to help guide public discussions on these topics, Cuomo said.

To download the toolkit, visit the state Combat Heroin website by clicking here. For additional tools, visit the state's Talk2Prevent website.

New Yorkers can find help for addiction and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369), or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Among the state officials praising the new “toolkit,” was Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez, commissioner of the state’s Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

"Children of parents who are involved and engaged are less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs.” Gonzalez-Sanchez said.

“These videos are a great tool for adults to educate themselves about the reality of substance use disorders, so that they can help young New Yorkers understand the devastating effects of addiction."

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