Treatment and Recovery Advocates Reach Out to New Congress, New President

For immediate release - Alexandria, VA

March 12, 2009

Contact:  

Donovan Kuehn

703 741-7686, ext. 125 

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Addiction professionals helped shape addiction policy. From March 8-10, 2009, members from NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, the largest organization serving addiction-focused professionals, and the National Association for Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), representing over 300 private addiction treatment centers, gathered on Capitol Hill to speak on behalf of 80,000 dedicated addiction services professionals throughout the U.S. Under discussion was a range of policies that affect the health of over 22 million Americans who suffer from substance abuse disorders.

Participants at the 24^th annual Advocacy in Action conference focused on legislative issues affecting addiction professionals and the clients they serve. Among others, attendees met with their Congressmen about adequate funding for research and treatment, workforce development, veterans’ health care and recovery support for ex-prisoners. This was the second year that Advocacy in Action was co-sponsored by NAADAC and NAATP.

Overall, 103 people participated. Participants received briefings and advocacy strategy trainings and also heard from high-ranking officers from within the government. Speakers included author Eric Newhouse, and Blondie founder and current addiction counselor, Jimmy Destri.

"It’s always critical that we bring our message to decision-makers in Washington, DC. We’re the experts on what works and what doesn’t, and we need to educate our representatives,” said Cynthia Moreno Tuohy, NAADAC’s Executive Director. “This was a great conference, and helped position NAADAC and NAATP to advance our agenda in the new administration.”

For more information on the Advocacy in Action Conference, please visit www.naadac.org or call 800.548.0497.

 NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, is the largest organization for addiction-focused health care professionals. Founded in 1974, NAADAC is committed to the professional development of individuals who treat and prevent addiction. NAADAC also works to improve the provision of treatment services through education and advocacy programs.“We help people recover their lives.”