The Council originally began as a committee of businessmen and community leaders in Elmira, NY, who proposed that alcoholism was a  treatable disease. They incorporated the Alcohol Information Center in 1958. The purpose was to provide information and education to the public about alcoholism and to provide help for alcoholics, their families, and their employers. In the mid 1980's, services were expanded to include drugs other than alcohol, the Family Program, and school-based prevention services.

Our Mission
To increase public understanding of all facets of alcohol use, abuse, alcoholism, and other chemical dependencies, to make this knowledge effectual in solving the problems of alcoholism and other chemical dependencies, and to promote and support the necessary community services for the treatment of persons and families suffering from alcoholism and other chemical dependencies.