"Advancing the Addiction Profession: Facing Today's Challenges" will address frontline treatment issues

For Immediate Release - Alexandria, VA

Justin Cohen
Director of Public Relations
800-548-0497 x116

NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, will host its annual conference from September 14-17, 2003 in Washington, DC at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The conference, "Advancing the Addiction Profession: Facing Today's Challenges," will focus on a variety of frontline treatment issues viewed through the prism of public policy, public health, workforce development and clinical practice. For the convenience of attendees and to enhance the overall event experience, NAADAC will hold its popular Capitol Hill Public Policy Day in conjunction with the conference.

Experts from the nation's top research institutions, government agencies, and treatment facilities will present more than 40 workshops and seminars at the conference. The sessions will cover a wide array of topics, ranging from co-occurring disorders and buprenorphine to club drugs and prevention.

One of the conference's highlights will be the inaugural President's Award Dinner, at which NAADAC will award academic scholarships and recognize individuals and organizations who exemplify the highest standards in addiction prevention, treatment and education.

John P. Walters, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, will speak at the President's Award Dinner. As the nation's "Drug Czar," Walters coordinates all aspects of federal drug programs and spending. Walters was responsible for launching the award winning ads linking drug trafficking to terrorism.

NAADAC's Public Policy Day on Capitol Hill will provide conference attendees an opportunity to experience advocacy in action. The full-day event, which will be held September 17, 2003, will include a breakfast meeting on Capitol Hill featuring remarks by key members of Congress in the field of healthcare. Afterward, most participants will scatter throughout the Capitol to engage in smaller meetings with their Congressional representatives. September 17 is commonly recognized as National Addictions Counselor Day.

"The NAADAC 2003 Annual Conference will help front-line addiction counselors who work in prevention and treatment bridge the gap between policy and practice," said NAADAC Executive Director Pat Ford-Roegner.

"This will allow addiction professionals to better serve those suffering from the disease of addiction," she added.

Interested parties may still download registration forms.

Members of the media may obtain passes by contacting Justin Cohen, Director of Public Relations, at 800-548-0497, ext. 116.