Since our beginning in 1944, NCADD has proclaimed--loudly--the value of awareness, education, prevention, treatment and recovery from alcoholism and drug dependence.  And, over the past 65 plus years, we have seen remarkable changes and have witnessed the fact that millions of individuals and family members are living lives in long-term recovery!

The Power of the Media:  As with any health issue, the media has an extraordinary responsibility to present information in a manner that is of greatest value to the reader or viewer.  This is especially true when it comes to alcoholism and drug dependence.  The public is besieged with media coverage that focuses on the drama and chaos of active addiction to alcohol and drugs--the celebrities, the sports figures, the horrible deaths of young people or the latest drinking and drugged driving tragedy.

Regrettably, the public knows this story. . . they live with it day in and day out in their own lives.  The public is absolutely desperate for information that offers hope for themselves, a friend or their family.  It is time that we talk to the public, through the media, about alcoholism and drug dependence, like we do any other chronic disease.

The media has enormous power to educate and reach individuals including youth and parents, the medical and scientific community, politicians and public health organizations, and others concerned about addiction.  NCADD is glad to make ourselves available to the press and to share our information, experience and messages of hope, help and healing.

When appropriate, NCADD and our National Network of Affiliates encourage individuals and family members in recovery to speak openly with the media about their experiences.  We know that when people in recovery tell their own stories, it makes a difference in the lives of countless others struggling with the disease.

Untreated addiction costs America $450 billion per year in crime, health services, death on our roads and highways.  Alcoholism is a progressive and often fatal disease.  Adverse consequences include liver failure, impairments in mood and behavior, marital problems, child abuse, job loss, legal and financial issues, spiritual malaise.  There is a feeling by many who use drugs that there is no end in sight.

For over 65 years NCADD has focused on the solution and the power of prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery to break the cycle of addiction, not only for the individual, but for the family, the children and the community!

As reflected in NCADD:  A Symbol of Hope and Help, last year, 43 million people were touched by NCADD and our National Network of Affiliates.

Again, we welcome your help and look forward to working with you.

If you or someone in your family needs help visit Get Help.  For general information visit Learn About Alcohol, or Learn About Drugs.

Within this section of the NCADD website, we offer valuable information about:

• Press Kit -- an overview of NCADD, Fast Fact’s and awareness programs of NCADD.
• In The News -- important news items about alcohol and drugs, alcoholism and drug dependence and recovery.
• Press Releases and News Articles -- information about NCADD activities and events.
• Alcohol and Drug Information -- some quick information about the scope of the alcohol and drug problem and links to important NCADD website content.
• Glossary -- some quick information, explanations and definitions of key terms and issues.
• NCADD Awareness Programs -- information about NCADD awareness activities:  April -- Alcohol Awareness Month; Alcohol and Drug-Related Birth Defects Week held in May and Recovery Month--September.
• Key Staff Bios -- background information about key NCADD staff.
• Annual Reports and 990s -- information about NCADD’s Annual Reports and non-profit financial statements filed with the IRS (Form 990).