• The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions.

NCADD: What's New

Following are more recent additions to, and highlights of, NCADD's website.

• February 24, 2006
  
  SCIENCE OF ALCOHOLISM AND ADDICTION IS GREATER THAN FICTION
  
  NEW YORK, NY -- In the wake of publicity surrounding James Frey's book, A Million Little Pieces, the Medical/Scientific Committee of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) would like to reaffirm that alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases -- primary, chronic, yet treatable diseases from which people can and do recover. NCADD is the nation's oldest advocacy organization dedicated to providing information, education, help and hope to the general public regarding alcoholism and other drug dependence and its Medical/Scientific Committee is comprised of recognized experts in the field of alcoholism and addiction. Regrettably, Mr. Frey's book has presented some serious misconceptions about the science of alcoholism and addiction and has minimized the unequivocal progress that has been made in the past decade in understanding and treating these diseases.
  
  As defined by NCADD and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1992, "Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial." Mr. Frey's book is at best a novel lacking scientific basis.
  
  Recent neurobiological, genetic, pharmacological and brain imaging research have reinforced our knowledge that alcoholism and other drug dependencies are genetically predisposed brain diseases and, as such, require complex and comprehensive treatment. A recent report issued by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) titled, Improving the Quality of Health Care for Mental and Substance-Use Conditions, notes that alcohol and other drug dependencies are treatable, chronic brain diseases and that treatment must be effectively integrated into the national health care system at all levels. Research continues to show that the disease process of addiction is similar to other common medical disorders such as Type II Diabetes, obesity, and many types of cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
  
  Alcoholism and drug dependence, like other diseases, cross all societal boundaries, affect both genders, every ethnic group, and people in every tax bracket. One of America's preeminent public health issues, alcoholism and drug addiction are serious problems requiring medical treatment, sophisticated psychotherapies and interventions provided by licensed professionals, and the effective support systems historically found in twelve step recovery groups.
  
  "Unfortunately, Mr. Frey's book seems to point the general public back to a time when alcoholism and addiction were considered a moral failing," says Robert J. Lindsey, newly-elected NCADD President. "However, science is ultimately stronger than fiction and recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction is a reality for thousands of Americans every day.
  
  "Having spent more than 25 years working at all levels of the alcoholism and addiction field, I have found that there is no greater privilege than bringing hope, help and recovery into the lives of individuals and families who have been affected by this disease. This is what NCADD has been doing for the last 60 years through its national office and network of Affiliate offices throughout the country.
  
  "One of our biggest challenges," continues Lindsey, "is to find ways to present scientific evidence to clear up widely held misconceptions about alcoholism and drug addiction, including the ideas that the addicted person can 'just stop' using drugs; that if someone relapses, they have failed; and the belief that treatment doesn't work."
  
  To help in this effort, NCADD is developing a national, multi-year campaign with a coalition of leading experts and organizations in the alcoholism and addiction field to educate Americans on the serious human, health, social and financial impact of alcoholism and addiction. The goal of the Hope, Help and Healing public education campaign will be to measurably reduce the $276 billion cost of addiction to American society and to change the way individuals, families, and institutions think and act when addressing alcoholism and drug dependence.
  
  Alcoholism and other drug dependencies strain the health care system, the economy, harm family life and threaten public safety. This is not a matter of fiction. Alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases, diseases from which people can and do recover.
  
  FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
  Robert J. Lindsey
  Director of Communications
  National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
  244 East 58th Street 4th Floor
  New York, NY 10022
  212-269-7797 ext. 19
  212-269-7510 fax
  communications@ncadd.org
  www.ncadd.org
  
  
• February 10, 2006
  
  NCADD BOARD SELECTS ROBERT J. LINDSEY NEW PRESIDENT
  
  NEW YORK, NY - The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert J. Lindsey, M.Ed., CEAP, as NCADD President, effective February 4, 2006.
  
  Mr. Lindsey has been in the forefront of the alcoholism and addiction recovery services community for over 30 years as an employee assistance professional, Director of Community Relations for the Betty Ford Center, and Executive Director of a state and a local NCADD Affiliate. Mr. Lindsey holds a B.A. in Psychology, a Masters of Science in Education from St. Bonaventure University in New York, and is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).
  
  "With his broad knowledge of NCADD and our mission, Bob will have an immediate positive impact on the organization," noted NCADD board chair, David Lewis, MD. "We are enthusiastic about our selection and look forward to the leadership Bob brings to NCADD as our President."
  
  The NCADD network includes a national office in New York and 90 Affiliate offices across the country. Affiliates offer an array of programs and services in their communities including information and referral, community-based prevention, education and advocacy on behalf of people affected by alcoholism and addiction.
  
  "It's a real honor to have been given this opportunity," declared Mr. Lindsey. "I am extremely excited for the future of NCADD, our Affiliates, and for the future of our field. NCADD has a proud history and legacy, bringing hope and help to millions over the past sixty years, while playing a critical role in the growth and development of our field. NCADD's role and mission are as critical today as they were when NCADD was founded by Marty Mann in 1944."
  
  "Bob Lindsey has worked closely with NCADD in the past," said Mrs. Adele Smithers-Fornaci, immediate past chair of the NCADD Board of Directors and longtime advocate in the field. "The organization is now poised to forge ahead with a number of exciting initiatives in education and prevention, and Bob's knowledge and expertise will be a tremendous asset as we move forward."
  
  As Executive Director of the New York State Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Addictions, Inc. (NYSCADA), Mr. Lindsey coordinated the development of 12 new local councils and established the New York State Clearinghouse on Alcohol Information which included a film/video lending library and the production, sale and distribution of educational literature. While heading the Allegany County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc. (ACCASA), Mr. Lindsey was responsible for strategic planning, supervision, program development, community organization, and over the span of his tenure the Affiliate grew into one of the most funded programs, per capita, in the State of New York. At the Betty Ford Center, Mr. Lindsey developed and coordinated three "Recovery Day for Women" conferences in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orange County which averaged 740 attendees. Attendees said the program was, "empowering, reinforcing, rewarding, fulfilling, inspirational, energizing, rejuvenating, informative, exciting and positive."
  
  Mr. Lindsey succeeds Stacia Murphy, who has served as NCADD President since 1999.
  
  

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  ROBERT J. LINDSEY, M.ED., CEAP

  PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

  o LONGVIEW ASSOCIATES, INC.
  Vice President White Plains, NY 1994 - 2005

  Responsible for Employee Assistance Program (EAP) marketing and new business development (grew from 50 accounts to 115), account management, supervisor/employee training, organizational development, management consultation to Human Resources and managers, as well as, direct client services to employees and their family. Account Manager for Calvin Klein. Lehman Brothers, Fuji Photo, WTNH-TV, Kawasaki Rail Car, Handy & Harman, DIME Savings Bank, Fuji Medical Systems, Ampacet and numerous school districts and healthcare facilities.

  o BETTY FORD CENTER Eisenhower Medical Center
  Director of Community Relations Rancho Mirage, CA 1990-1994

  Administration, coordination and supervision of Community Relations Department including public relations and marketing, conferences and special events, speakers bureau, community spokesperson, as well as supervision of volunteer service program.

  o NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND OTHER DRUG ADDICTIONS, INC. (NYSCADA)
  Executive Director Albany, NY 1982-1990

  Management and supervision of statewide NCADD affiliate, including board relations, strategic planning, budget development, financial management, program/organizational development, public speaking, membership, training, lobbyist and consultant to local, regional, state and national organizations. Coordinated the establishment of 12 new local councils, including coordination, chairing Founders Committee meetings, incorporation, development of funding proposals and board orientation. Established New York State Clearinghouse on Alcohol Information which included film/video lending library and production, sale and distribution of educational literature.

  o SPOFFORD HALL- A Mediplex Facility
  Unit Manager and Therapist Spofford, NH 1980-1982

  Responsible for management and supervision of a 16 bed unit in 125 bed, private for profit, alcohol and drug addiction hospital, including clinical supervision, development and presentation of patient lectures as well as individual, group & family counseling.

  o ALLEGANY COUNTY COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE, INC. (ACCASA)
  Executive Director Wellsville, NY 1975-1980

  Management and supervision of NCADD affiliate, including strategic planning, program development, community organization, grant writing, supervision, public speaking, public relations, board development and liaison to local, regional, state and national organization. ACCASA became one of the most funded programs, per capita, in the state.

  EDUCATION

  M.Ed. - Masters of Science in Education ........ St. Bonaventure University, NY Guidance and Personnel Counseling (specialization in Community Mental
  
  Health) B.A. - Psychology (Cum Laude) ........ St. Bonaventure University, NY

  PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

  Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA)
  Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
  Chairman of the Board - St. Joseph's Rehabilitation Center, Inc. - Saranac Lake, NY

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  FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
  Robert J. Lindsey
  Director of Communications
  National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
  244 East 58th Street 4th Floor
  New York, NY 10022
  212-269-7797 ext. 19
  212-269-7510 fax
  communications@ncadd.org
  www.ncadd.org
  
  
• December 20, 2005
  
  NCADD Medical/Scientific Committee Supports IOM Report on Mental Health and Addictive Disorders
  
  Agrees that Alcoholism and Addiction Need to Enter Treatment Mainstream
  
  NEW YORK, NY - Following a full review of the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) newly released, Improving the Quality of Health Care for Mental and Substance-Use Conditions, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) expressed strong support for the report's unbiased conclusions and endorsed the scientific approach it outlined for improving the quality of treatment for alcoholism and other drug dependence. The report was reviewed by NCADD's Medical/Scientific Committee, chaired by Dr. Robert Niven, former director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
  
  The committee specifically hailed both the report's finding of addiction as a disease and recommendation that addiction treatment must be effectively integrated into the health care system at all levels.
  
  "The IOM report clearly states that alcohol and other drug dependence are treatable chronic brain diseases and that all medical and health care workers need to be thoroughly educated to recognize and either treat or effectively refer such patients to appropriate treatment programs," noted Dr. Max Schneider, committee member and past President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. "Recognition of these diseases as the brain disorders they are and fulfilling the appropriate education and training will help to rid the unjustifiable stigma that has plagued these diseases for generations."
  
  According to Niven, the report will serve as the cornerstone of an innovative national public education campaign to be launched in 2006. NCADD is developing the campaign with a coalition of leading experts and organizations in the addiction field to educate Americans on the serious human, health, social and financial impact of alcoholism and addiction. The goal of the campaign will be to measurably reduce the considerable costs of addiction to society and to change the way individuals, families, and institutions think and act when addressing alcoholism and drug dependence.
  
  "Addiction impacts all health care systems and needs to be positioned in the mainstream of the total health care delivery arena," noted Niven. "Furthermore, this report provides valid, reliable information we believe will help to educate the medical community about addiction and provide the framework of an effective health care delivery system," said Dr. Niven, on behalf of NCADD.
  
  "We commend the IOM in calling for reforms in alcoholism and other drug dependence treatment," concluded Dr. David Lewis, Chairman of the NCADD Board of Directors and Founder of the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. "The fact that we still need to be concerned about clinical standards of practice almost forty years after the American Medical Association's recognition of alcoholism as a disease points to the continuing stigma associated with addictive illness. Alcoholism and other addictive illnesses need to receive the same level of attention, funding and professionalism as any other medical condition. The devastation of this disease demands both increased public awareness and improved quality of care - vital elements that NCADD has been advocating for over 60 years."
  
  
  
  FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
  Robert J. Lindsey
  Director of Communications
  National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
  244 East 58th Street 4th Floor
  New York, NY 10022
  212-269-7797 ext. 19
  212-269-7510 fax
  communications@ncadd.org
  www.ncadd.org

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National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.

244 East 58th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022 phone: 212/269-7797   fax: 212/269-7510 email: national@ncadd.org   http://www.ncadd.org HOPE LINE: 800/NCA-CALL (24-hour Affiliate referral)