For 50 years, the Alcoholism Council of New York (ACNY), a not-for-profit health organization has been helping New Yorkers recover from the diseases of alcoholism and other drug dependencies. An affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), ACNY is New York City's most experienced resource for education, training and counseling in the area of alcohol and substance abuse. Many of the pioneers of this field such as Bill Wilson, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and R. Brinkley Smithers, an early patron and warrior against addiction, have served on the Board of the Agency.

The ACNY has delivered critical services to meet this public health crisis with practical, bi-lingual programs that help people initiate and maintain the process of addiction recovery. The Alcoholism Council's varied and highly rated programs serve over 30,000 New Yorkers in all five boroughs. Among these services are:

Education and Training Services (ETS) This program is ACNY's largest. It serves over 2,100 students annually, offering education and training both to beginning students and practicing professionals in the field of alcohol and drug abuse treatment. Students attend part or full-time training which qualifies them for the credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) examination.

Individual and Family Clinical Services (IFC) Counselors offer assessments, interventions, referrals, education and short-term counseling to address the clinical needs of those afflicted and affected by substance abuse. Sessions are provided to individuals, couples and families, over 200 clients served annually.

Drinking Driver Program (DDP) This 7-week education and prevention program is mandated by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles after a DWI arrest. Over 1,400 motorists are served annually from all 5 boroughs. Classes are available in Manhattan in both English and Spanish and on Staten Island.

Community Outreach ACNY staff and volunteers make presentations at schools, colleges and community based non-profits in New York City. In addition, individuals can contact ACNY through the general Helpline (1-800-56-SOBER), our Parent/Teen Helpline at 1-866-755-ACNY, or through the website (www.alcoholism.org). This program serves over 10,000 clients annually.

Resource Center This is a clearinghouse for alcohol and drug related literature and audiovisual material, and disseminates literature annually to individuals, corporations, schools, and community based organizations.

Workplace Assistance This program establishes partnerships with organizations to address workplace issues related to alcohol and other drugs.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Assists organizations in addressing productivity issues by helping their employees identify and address personal concerns about alcohol, other drugs, health, family finances, stress and other issues that may affect job performance.

Youth Services Program (YSP) After school and summer programs for at-risk youth focusing in prevention.

Community Mobilization Assists local community groups with key components including: community organization, needs assessment and strategic planning, and implementation of appropriate community wide prevention programs designed to address alcohol and substance abuse and other related problem behaviors.

Education and Prevention Program (E&P) Helps individuals learn about alcohol and other substance abuse, while receiving preventive counseling, for those who have been Court ordered by an employer seeking to improve an employee's performance.

ACNY is the only citywide program, which deals solely with prevention and addiction. We continue to strive to be the first call for New York City's alcoholism and other drug issues, and the premier agency for addiction assessment, counseling and prevention services while championing public policy to support recovery.