As individuals and family members living life in recovery, we have unique needs, opportunities and responsibilities.  Since NCADD was founded in 1944 by Marty Mann, the first woman to recover in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), NCADD and our National Network of Affiliates have been privileged to have been the first call and start point of recovery for millions of individuals and family members.

Long-term recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction opens a world of possibilities. It is real, it is happening every day and we estimate that as many as 20 million individuals and family members are living life in recovery!

Recovery is something to CELEBRATE, indeed!

Please Share Your Story:  Celebrate Recovery

When Marty Mann first started NCADD back in 1944 (see “Our Founder”), three ideas formed the basis of her message:

1. Alcoholism is a disease and the alcoholic a sick person.
2. The alcoholic can be helped and is worth helping.
3. Alcoholism is a public health problem and therefore a public responsibility.

Marty’s Vision for NCADD centered on the following messages:

1. To share the joy of recovery and knowledge
2. To break down barriers of ignorance and stigma
3. To encourage individuals, families, companies and communities to seek help

Get Involved and Become a Donor and support NCADD!

FACT: Stigma prevents millions of individuals and family members from seeking help!

FACT: Stigma results in social and legal discrimination in employment, housing, education and access to healthcare. 

The Power of Recovery in Overcoming Stigma:

For almost 70 years, NCADD has been a leading advocate for increased awareness, increased public support, reduced stigma and the elimination of discrimination in employment, housing, education and in access to health care.  In this section you can learn about NCADD’s Operation Understanding:  Challenge to Stigma, Recovery Month celebrations and much more!

Believe in Recovery!

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

• Local Resources -- information on how to Find an NCADD Affiliate, find a physician who is certified in addiction medicine and other resources.
• Celebrate Recovery -- an opportunity to Share Your Story, learn about NCADD’s Operation Understanding and other opportunities to celebrate recovery.
• Definition Of Recovery -- an overview of the development of an effort to define recovery.
• Advocacy With Anonymity -- an introduction to NCADD”s brochure, Advocacy With Anonymity, available in English and Spanish.
• Mutual Aid/Support Groups -- information about the importance and value of mutual aid/support groups and links to major groups.
• Recovery Events-- information about NCADD and our National Network of Affiliates hosting National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month celebrations all across the country.

NCADD Affiliates offer a range of services including help for individuals and family members.  If you are concerned about your own alcohol or other drug use or that of someone you care about—a child or other relative, a friend or co-worker—please make the contact.  You will be able to speak to someone who will listen, assess your needs and provide information about available services, costs and how to deal with another person’s alcohol and/or drug use.  Help is just a call or visit away—Make the contact now!