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.