By April Drew

THE Aisling Irish Center on McLean Avenue in Yonkers hosted a substance misuse workshop on Friday evening, March 30 to inform the Irish community on the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

According to Orla Kelleher, director of the center, there was a good demographic mix of people in attendance.

“The turnout was great,” said Kelleher. “There were representatives from Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and even the GAA as well as concerned parents and other friends at the workshop.”

Kelleher said that people came away better informed and equipped to deal with family members and friends who either have a drink or drug problem.

“It was interesting. The three counselors showed us how to approach someone you knew who had a drink or drug problem. I was surprised. I would have certainly approached the issue differently in the past, now I know better,” she admitted.

The workshop also explained about the various types of drugs and alcohol, explaining both the physical and psychological effects it has on users.

Qualified counselors Steve Naughton, Mary Rohan and Rachel Griffin hosted the workshop and made it clear to their audience that being documented or undocumented didn’t matter, they were available to meet with anyone who has a substance addiction.

Joan Henchy, mother of two girls, 12 and 16, attended the workshop to better inform herself and her family about the issues facing people who take drugs and drink excess alcohol.

“I was surprised to learn the difference between abuse and addiction. I really didn’t know there was a difference and now after attending the workshop I can pinpoint them clearly,” she said.

Henchy felt it imperative she attended because “the issues facing our young people today are very different to those of our times.”

She also suggested that if future workshops are to be held, which she highly recommends, at least one parent in a family attends, and also she urges one member of every GAA club to be present.

“There are a lot of young people coming to the U.S. from Ireland so it’s important that if anything happens there are people in their club educated on the matter,” she said.

Kelleher also said the Aisling Center would like to see more clubs and organizations involved in future workshops simply because substance misuse is a problem in every area.

The feedback from the night was well received and as a result the Aisling Center plans to hold more meetings on the topic at future dates.

In the meantime, all three counselors are available through the Aisling Center and there is no cost involved. The service is confidential and Kelleher urges people to call the center if they would like to speak to a counselor. The Aisling Center number is 914-237-5121.