WAAODA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable membership organization chartered by the State of Wisconsin. Our members include counseling professionals, healthcare administrators, direct service providers, educators and friends and family members of addicted and recovering individuals who actively support alcohol and other drug addiction prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services in communities throughout the state.

Millions of people across our state have successfully recovered from alcohol or drug addiction. Research has shown not only do prevention and treatment work, other benefits of recovery include a reduction in other health conditions (such as heart disease), decreased traffic fatalities, and an overall improvement in quality of life.

WAAODA's mission is to assure that the people of Wisconsin know and believe that alcohol and drug addiction prevention, treatment and recovery work.

For nearly 40 years, dedicated WAAODA members have had a significant positive impact on alcohol and drug addiction in our state. Our efforts have focused on the key objectives of education, training, advocacy, and collaboration.

Education

The Annual WAAODA Spring Conference is one of the leading substance abuse education programs in the Midwest. The three-day Conference held in Madison attracts 300 to 400 AODA counselors, mental health professionals, physicians and nurses, social workers and others. The program features nationally recognized experts presenting a wide range of scientific, topical, and practical addiction issues. The Conference is accredited by the University of Wisconsin Medical School and offers continuing medical education credits.

Training

Training of AODA counselors and other professionals involved in substance abuse treatment takes place in more than 30 workshops at the Conference. WAAODA also may organize additional one-day workshops focusing on specific training objectives.

The Minority Training Project (MTP) is a state-sponsored program designed to increase the number of certified minority AODA counselors. MTP is administered through WAAODA.

Advocacy

Addictive substance abuse is an illness, not a personal failing. Treatment is effective and results in recovery rates comparable to other chronic illnesses, such as, diabetes, asthma, etc. We are working with other advocates across the state to promote health insurance coverage for mental health and addictive diseases on par with other illnesses. WAAODA advocates medical insurance parity.

Also, we are working to reduce the social stigma surrounding addiction by telling the stories of everyday people who have successfully recovered from AODA. Recovery happens every day!

Collaboration

WAAODA collaborates with numerous state, regional, and national organizations active in the AODA field. We provide administrative support for the recently formed Alliance for Recovery Advocates (AFRA). We are aligned with the Wisconsin Alliance for Addictions, Public Policy and Education (WAAPPE) and the Coalition for Fairness in Health Insurance Coverage.