During times of severe stress, drug and alcohol use may seem like an effective way to cope with or escape from intense emotions. Though substance use may help feelings of distress in the short term, it can contribute to greater difficulty in the long term, especially for those with a personal or family history of substance use disorder. Substance use may limit your ability to respond effectively to your current responsibilities, and to cope with emotional distress. Developing effective coping strategies during this time can be difficult, but there are many resources available. Practicing relaxation and mindfulness techniques and general self-care can help lessen the stress that may be contributing to increased substance use.
If you’re already working with a mental health provider and have noticed that you’re using drugs and alcohol to cope with the current crisis, speak to them about any increased use or urges to use drugs or alcohol. Stony Brook Addiction Psychiatry Services, which features a team of specialists who evaluate, diagnose and treat people who have one or more substance use disorders is now offering Telehealth services as an option for future appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. To see if your needs can be met virtually, please call (631) 444-2599. To learn more about how to prepare for a Telehealth visit, click here.
See additional resources listed below.
Many Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups are now available online
- Narcotics Anonymous virtual meeting finder: https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
- Alcoholics Anonymous virtual meeting finder: http://aa-intergroup.org/
- Find online treatment: https://findtreatment.gov/
- Virtual Recovery Resources: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/virtual-recovery-resources.pdf
- For a variety of online meetings and various other outside resources: https://www.12step.org/social/online-meetings/
- Online meetings and an online community with message boards and a chat room: https://www.smartrecovery.org/
- Variety of available scheduled meetings using text chat: https://stepchat.com
- Quannacut Addiction Intake/Rehab/Detox: (631) 477-8877. A hospital-based detoxification and rehabilitation program that includes group and individual therapy, acupuncture, individualized treatment, self-help meetings, recreation/creative arts therapy, medical services, psychiatric services, discharge planning, addiction education, and smoking cessation.
- Quannacut Outpatient Services: (631) 369-8966. This recently expanded, state-of-the-art behavioral health facility is at the forefront of modern treatment for substance use disorders. Provides highly individualized programs for adults with diverse needs across a wide variety of treatment disciplines.
- New York State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline: (844) 863-9314
Staffed by mental health provider volunteers. Individuals who require mental health support can be directed to the hotline to schedule an appointment. - LICADD (LI Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence) 24/7 Substance Use Hotline:
(516) 747-2606 or (631) 979-1700
Credentialed LICADD clinicians struggling with substance use disorders (SUD) and their family members are available to provide live counsel 24/7. Secure video counseling sessions also available.
- Family Service League DASH Program
(631) 952-3333
DASH (Diagnostic Assessment and Stabilization Hub) is a volunteer program, which is part of the Suffolk County Collaborative. It's available to Suffolk residents who struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. Services include assessments, counseling, and care management. Mobile services also available.