Treatment and Recovery Advocates Shape the Discussion on Capitol Hill

For Immediate Release
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - NAADAC members took the message of substance use prevention, intervention treatment and recovery to members of Congress.

As a part of the National Conference on Addiction Disorders, members from NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, the largest organization serving addiction-focused professionals, gathered on Capitol Hill to speak on behalf of 80,000 dedicated addiction services professionals throughout the U.S. Under discussion were a range of policies that affect the health of the over 22 million Americans who suffer from substance use disorders.

Participants in the advocacy track focused on legislative issues affecting addiction professionals and the clients they serve. Attendees met with their members of Congress about adequate funding for research and treatment, workforce development, veterans’ health care and recovery support for ex-prisoners.

“It is critical that we bring our message to decision-makers in Washington, D.C. 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.”

Participants received briefings, advocacy strategy trainings and heard from high-ranking officers from within the government. Speakers included David Mineta, Deputy Director for Demand Reduction for the Office of National Drug Control.

Topics addressed by the participants in preparation for their meetings with legislators included health care reform and mental health parity and an introduction to effective advocacy, including how to communicate with legislators and their staff members.

For more information on NAADAC's advocacy efforts, please visit www.naadac.org/advocacy, or contact Director of Government Relations Chris Campbell at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .