To more accurately describe its scope of services, NAIC has changed its name from Norman Alcohol Information Center to Norman Addiction Information -- Counseling.

Executive Director H.N. "Sonny" Scott said when NAIC first opened its doors more than 35 years ago, services consisted primarily of providing information about alcoholism. Since that time the agency has grown and expanded to provide prevention, assessment, out-patient counseling, intensive out-patient counseling, adult and juvenile drug court, and programs at Joseph Harp Correctional Center and Lexington Assessment and Reception Center. NAIC offers a variety of programs for those directly or indirectly affected by alcohol, drugs, co-occurring disorders and gambling addiction, he said.

"The NAIC Board of Directors decided that it was time to change the name to better reflect the increase in the array of services offered," Scott said. After investigating several options, they felt it was important to keep the initials NAIC, in order to continue the mission and tradition of the agency, he said.

"I am pleased with the board's decision and I think that the new name change will more accurately describe the types of services we provide and allow us to continue to grow," Scott said.

NAIC is north of Campus Corner at 215 W. Linn Street.

For further information, call 321-0022 or visit www.naichelp.org.