The Association
Established in 1967 as the only statewide advocacy organization in Illinois focusing solely on substance use
disorder issues, we represent more than 50 prevention, treatment and recovery organizations across the state.
Our mission is to advocate for people interested in the substance use disorder field, including clinicians,
consumers, family members, individuals in recovery and youth. We envision a healthy society where everyone
benefits because alcohol/drug abuse occurs rarely, addicted people have access to effective treatment, more
people are in recovery, everyone participates in prevention and health promotion, and our laws, public policies
and cultures enhance everyone's well-being.
We work hard to educate the general public about the disease of addiction, sharing the message that addiction can
be prevented, it can be treated and people can recover from it. We do this through comprehensive media campaigns,
community forums, town hall meetings, letter writing efforts, and much more.
In support of this vision, our staff members in coordination with the IADDA Board of Directors spend time in both Springfield and Washington, D.C., working with
legislators, policy makers and key stakeholders to develop and implement sound public policy that creates and supports healthier
families and safer communities. Our experienced advocates work the issues important to membership in Springfield and
Washington and provide membership with the most up to date legislative information as soon as it becomes available.
Our staff members have extensive experience in providing conference and
training opportunities that will keep you and your staff on the cutting
edge of the addiction field. We also manage and provide support to three long-running prevention programs,
Operation Snowball,
the Illinois Teen Institute and the
Mid-Level Institute of Central and Southern Illinois .
We invite you to learn more about us and how you can join us in making a
difference.
