National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Sacramento County

The disease of addiction is everywhere - from homeless shelters and prisons to corporate boardrooms and rural farm towns - from local churches and emergency rooms to medical schools and grade schools. With approximately one in ten Americans suffering from this fatal and progressive illness, every aspect of our community is impacted. NCADD Sacramento is a local affiliate of a national organization founded in 1944 by Marty Mann, the first woman to maintain sobriety in the modern recovery movement. While the problems associated with addiction permeates our community, so do the solutions: healthier families, a more productive economy, less crime, more efficient health care, and the promise of hope. The concept that alcoholism and other drug addictions are treatable and preventable diseases has gained acceptance, but the stigma still exists. NCADD Sacramento programs provide accurate information to address negative stereotypes, replacing the lack of hope with deeper understanding, effective prevention and treatment. We are working toward a well-informed citizenry that can collaborate to address one of the most important diseases of our time. NCADD Sacramento takes a holistic approach to the issues of addiction and recovery, understanding that different members of the community get involved in different ways. The addict facing jail time needs a tough, high quality treatment program; while the ten year old who sees ads on the internet making alcohol or marijuana look "cool" needs a good prevention program. The doctor who notices a potential problem needs education and training on substance abuse topics; a family member needs information on where to go for help; and the person in early recovery might want to join an activist group organizing on recovery topics. Everyone deserves the opportunity to know how they can participate.