About Us
NCADD
Who We Are
We focus on raising public awareness and sensitivity on the issue of alcoholism and drug dependence in Maryland through sustaining a campaign of education, information-dissemination and public policy advocacy to ensure persons affected by the
disease of addiction, and their families, have access to resources, support systems and services critical in accessing treatment and sustaining recovery.
Our Vision
NCADD-Maryland believes the citizens of Maryland have a right to access effective prevention, intervention and treatment services in the state, and that accessing such services should be available upon request. We envision a day, in the near future, where barriers to accessing appropriate and affordable levels of care and services becomes a thing of the past.
Local
National
Our Commitment to the Future
Increased public, and private, support for expanded treatment/recovery resources because people will realize that treatment does work
Greater public tolerance for, and reduced hostility toward, people struggling with addictions, due to wider public recognition, and acceptance, of addiction as a disease rather than a lifestyle choice
Increased development, implementation and utilization of innovative and appropriate services targeting individuals affected by the disease and/or families-members impacted by a loved one's addiction
Access to comprehensive prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services is increased in every county and region in Maryland
NCADD-Maryland
Our Contributions
February 1992
the Maryland Chapter formed the Access to Treatment program that assists individuals in finding treatment. A part-time addictions counselor, with more than 20 years' experience in the field, screens calls made to the information and referral line and referred people to treatment programs in Maryland.
January 2000
the Maryland Chapter hired its first full-time staff person to coordinate the government relations and advocacy efforts of the organization. This staff person also convenes the statewide coalition called ATAM - Addiction Treatment Advocates of Maryland.
March 2014
the Maryland Chapter led the legislative efforts to get the Good Samaritan Law passed in Maryland. The law was enacted to encourage people to call for help when someone is facing a medical emergency due to drugs or alcohol. Maryland is one of 47 other states and the District of Columbia that have enacted some form of a Good Samaritan or 9-1-1 drug immunity law.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does NCADD-Maryland provide treatment services?
- Are addiction treatment services covered by insurance?
- Are there free programs available?
- I contacted a treatment program and was told there was a waiting list. Is this common?
- Do I have to give up my job to enter treatment?
- Will I go through withdrawal symptoms when I quit?
- Why do some people choose medical treatment, while others choose 12 step programs?
- I am interested in helping others achieve recovery. What skills and training do I need to work in this field?
- I would like to volunteer my time to fight addiction. What can I do?
- How can I help make sure that treatment is available for everyone who needs it?
While NCADD-Maryland is not a direct-service treatment provider, we will assist someone in identifying and accessing resources in your area. While NCADD-Maryland is not a treatment provider, we can assist you in locating resources in your area.
The answer to this question depends on many factors including the type of insurance coverage you have and what services are covered. You should contact your insurance provider to determine what services are available to you. They may also be able to assist you with locating a treatment program.
Many treatment programs offer services to Maryland’s uninsured, while others utilize a variety of sliding fee approaches based on the financial need of the person seeking treatment. You should discuss financial arrangements with any program you are considering. Click here to identify publicly-funded programs in your community.
Unfortunately, the demand for high quality, and accessible, treatment services often exceeds demand in many of Maryland’s jurisdictions. When contacting a program and being told a waiting list exists ask for assistance in identifying other programs or in identifying other support systems such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or other 12- Step support meetings, while you await entry. Unfortunately, the demand for quality treatment services often exceeds program capacity in many areas. The treatment center staff can assist you to find an appropriate level of community support, such as 12 Step meetings, while you await entry.
Addiction is a health matter that might require being treated on an in-patient basis, just as other health conditions such as heart disease and mental illness. Just as with these diseases your employer should not be able to terminate your employment solely based on the presence of the disease, though you should seek legal advice if you require further clarification of your rights in this area. Many people are able to enter outpatient treatment programs that allow them to continue their employment. You should investigate the options available to you given your situation in consultation with your treatment professional. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental health Services/Center for Addiction Treatment (CSAT) to learn more about your rights.
Addiction is often referred to as a physical and mental disease. Discontinuing the usage of certain drugs will often involve a person experiencing certain withdrawal symptoms, both physical and psychological. Your body will respond to the lack of the substance when you choose to abstain. The degree of your symptoms will vary widely depending on your particular drug-using history, including how long you have used and the types of drug(s) abuse. Your treatment provider will discuss options for managing your symptoms as part of your treatment assessment process.
The choices that people make in selecting treatment programs are highly individual and are influenced by many factors. The important thing is to find a program that you feel will allow you to succeed. Remember that despite a person’s choice of treatment, everyone has chosen recovery.
Maryland treatment providers are always seeking qualified, motivated professionals who want to work in the field of addiction treatment and recovery. Your individual goals will depend on your education and area of interest. Counselors, therapists, social workers and nurses all work in treatment settings. Contact a local treatment center or college that offers a degree or certification program for more information about the variety of careers that serve the addiction treatment field. There may be state tuition assistance funding available to assist you in achieving your educational goals to work in this field.
NCADD-Maryland welcomes volunteers to work along with staff in advancing our public policy and advocacy work, public education and health fair event staffing and in planning and conducting our professional education programs. Contact our office today and we will be happy to discuss our current volunteer opportunities! Click here to send us a personal message.
This is one of the main missions of NCADD-Maryland! Join us and become active in our advocacy work, attend advocacy training and help us educate the public about the need for our communities to have adequate treatment programs across the state