Advocacy
Alcoholics and drug addicts, both active and recovering, are often an invisible population, hiding behind a mask of stigma and shame. The first step in changing public attitudes about the disease of addiction is public education through advocacy. Putting a face on substance abuse and recovery makes it more difficult for the public and policy makers to overlook the legal, social and financial rights of those affected by chemical dependence. Advocacy is the cornerstone of public education. ADCNC encourages those in recovery and those affected by substance abuse and recovery issues to speak openly about their experiences for the greater good. If you are in recovery through a 12-step program, click here for information on how to be an advocate without violating the your recovery program?s principles.ADCNC encourages the public to contact their legislators at the state and national level with concerns about substance abuse policies such as access to treatment, mental health parity, and more.Contact your legislators or North Carolina agencies involved with mental health and substance abuse. Also, Coalition 2001 is a group of individuals and organizations working together to meet the needs of North Carolinians living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and the disease of addiction. For a list of member organizations, click here.
