Trying to kick a substance abuse problem - whether it's drugs, alcohol or gambling - is hard in and of itself but for the thousands of people who suffer from an addiction dealing with the stigmas present in today's society can make overcoming the problem even harder.

According to the nonprofit Nassau Coalition for Chemical Dependency (NAFAS), today's society tends to perceive individuals who have substance abuse problems as outcasts while others assume they are uneducated, poor or immoral individuals. Americans with substance abuse problems struggle to find a "place" in a society that generally views drug and alcohol abuse as a choice rather than the serious health condition that it is. As a result, stigma creates obstacles to proper treatment and hinders recovery. These obstacles perpetuate substance use and can lead to other serious problems.

In an effort to dispel the myths associated with addiction and those individuals who struggle from substance abuse dependencies, NAFAS recently launched an aggressive and multifaceted anti-stigma campaign. Funded by the Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency & Developmental Disabilities Services, the campaign includes a 24/7 hotline and a new website (www.NassauAlliance.org) aimed at helping individuals and their families deal with drug, alcohol or gambling dependency, addiction or abuse.

The website provides people with quick and easy access to information and resources, including direct links to agencies that provide the specific services needed. The site also furnishes a list of support groups and speakers. In addition, NAFAS will offer educational and support materials to help dispel the myths associated with drug, alcohol, gambling and other addictions.

NAFAS strongly and unceasingly advocates and educates to ensure that a full range of services is available to all those in need, while preserving and enhancing the quality of treatment for those affected by drugs, alcohol, gambling and more. "The NAFAS commitment is broad," states the website. "We work to dispel the myths associated with addiction and abuse and strive to eliminate social stigma through effective community education and public awareness."

"Over the years, individuals and families have struggled to find resources to help themselves, family members and other coping with addiction - specifically with the stigma attached to addiction and abuse," said NAFAS President Jamie Bogenshutz. "These resources exist at our agencies, but people need to have an easy way to find and access the services they are looking for. We, the members of NAFAS recognize the need for a central resource that community members can use to find help."

County Executive Thomas Suozzi added, "It is tragic that so many people struggle with addiction issues every day. It is our responsibility to provide them with the services they desperately need as well as the resources for their families, friends and loved ones trying to help. We are also pleased to help NAFAS create a strong foundation to support a program that will help to dispel the stigmas associated with addiction and provide a central location where people can go for assistance."

Individuals faced with drug or alcohol problems are also impacted by public and private health-related policies that may restrict their access to appropriate health care, public benefits, housing or employment.

Such was the case for Farmingdale resident Linda Diorio.

At a NAFAS-sponsored press conference last month, Diorio described the obstacles she faced trying to get her son, Erik, into a detox program earlier this year. She said insurance companies wouldn't pay for Erik's treatment because, at the time she brought him to the hospital, he wasn't going through drug withdrawal. Erik lost his life to a heroin overdose this past summer. He was 19 years old. "I'm living every parent's worst nightmare," Diorio said.

For the Long Island mother, the services offered through NAFAS are also essential for those who, like her, don't know where to turn for help. "There is a place to go to for information. Don't hide it under the carpet. You are not alone," Diorio said.

NAFAS has been involved with community outreach for over 30 years, formally under the auspices of the Nassau Coalition for Chemical Dependency Treatment Providers. Today, NAFAS is composed of nearly 30 agencies and serves as the centralized resource where individuals and families can go to find local agencies to help them address addiction issues.

To learn more about eliminating the stigma associated with drug and alcohol dependency, and to get help for yourself or a loved one, contact NAFAS at wwww.NassauAlliance.org. If you, or someone that you care about needs immediate help or advice, call the 24/7 Nassau County Drug and Alcohol Hotline at 481-4000. The NAFAS motto is: You are never alone on the road to recovery.

NAFAS provides information and referrals to community agencies for people struggling with the effects of drugs, alcohol, gambling or other addictions, dependencies or abuses. According to www.NassauAlliance.org, the following are affiliated agencies:

Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services: 822-4060

Community Counseling Services of West Nassau: 328-1717

Confide Counseling Center: 764-5522

Education & Assistance Corporation (EAC): 539-0150

Family & Children's Association: 486-7200 (Hempstead); 935-6858 (Hicksville)

Hispanic Counseling Center: 538-2613 (Hempstead)

REACT P: 623-7741

Reflections Counseling Center: 576-3120

Community Organization for Parents and Youth, Inc. (COPAY): 466-2509

Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence: 747-2606

Melillo Center: 676-2388, ext. 104

Port Counseling Center: 767-1133

Youth & Family Counseling Agency of Oyster Bay: 922-6867

Hispanic Counseling Center - Bay Shore: 631-328-4959

Baldwin Council Against Drug Abuse (BCADA): 546-1771

Five Towns Community Center (CODA): 239-6244, ext. 256

Freeport Pride: 546-2822

Friends of Bridge: 825-4242

Long Beach Medical Center: FACTS - 897-1250; Inpatient Detox - 897-1671

Long Beach Reach: 889-2332

Long Island Crisis Center: 826-0244

Oceanside Counseling Center: 766-6283

Peninsula Counseling Center: 872-9698 (Chemical Dependence Treatment); 569-1987 (co-occurring treatment)

South East Nassau Guidance Center: 679-9800 (Seaford); 791-1991 (Wantagh)

South Shore Child Guidance Association: 868-3030

Tempo Group: 546-9008 (Bellmore); 374-3671 (Woodmere); 921-3740 (Syosset)

YES Community Counseling Center: 799-3203