NAADAC designates first annual National Addictions Counselor Day

For Immediate Release - Alexandria, VA

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
703/741-7686, ext. 116

NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, the nation's largest membership organization for addiction-focused professionals, has designated Sept. 25, 2002, as the first annual "National Addictions Counselor Day." The day coincides with the 13th annual observance of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

The goal of the day is to increase awareness of the work of addictions counselors and the effectiveness of addictions treatment.

"We want to recognize the dedicated and tireless work of addictions counselors," said NAADAC President Roger A. Curtiss. "Counselors are frontline healthcare professionals and indispensable in the process of guiding patients with addictive disorders to recovery."

To celebrate the day, NAADAC national staff members and local affiliate officers will tour an addictions treatment facility in the Washington, D.C., area. NAADAC affiliates will mark the day with local activities across the country. NAADAC is also inviting public officials and employers of addictions professionals to formally recognize the day for counselors.

"More than 10 million Americans suffer from alcohol or drug dependency," Curtiss said. "Counselors are unsung heroes in the battle to help those individuals recover their lives."