Governor Andrew Cuomo recently launched a new 'Kitchen Table Toolkit' as part of the New York State Combat Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse campaign in St. Lawrence County and across the state.

This toolkit features two new videos which can be used by parents, teachers and community members to help begin conversations with youth concerning 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," said Governor Cuomo. "This toolkit is a valuable resource for communities, school districts, and families across our state to help start serious conversations about the disease of addiction and the inherent dangers of drug use and experimentation."

The videos, available on the State's Combat Heroin website, feature real accounts of individuals in recovery who share their personal stories of denial, the progression of substance use, and the impact addiction had on their lives and the lives of their families.

The first video is focused on helping viewers at community forums, school personnel, PTA meetings, and in other group settings understand the prevalence of addition 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.

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, "Children of parents who are involved and engaged are less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs. 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."

The videos are the latest part of New York State's aggressive efforts to fight back against 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.

To download the toolkit, visit https://www.combatheroin.ny.gov/. New Yorkers can find help for addiction and hope by calling the State’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or by texting 467369.