Today, NASADAD is releasing an updated fact sheet, originally produced in 2021, and most recently updated in 2023, that provides an overview of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’ s (SAMHSA) Pregnant and Postpartum Women’s (PPW) Residential Program and State Pilot Program. The fact sheet “tells the story” behind the PPW Residential Services Program and the evolution of the PPW State Pilot Program- an initiative that NASADAD helped develop with Congress through the Comprehensive Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act (P.L. 114-198). This round of updates to the fact sheet includes the latest available outcomes data, recent grantees, and recent Congressional action related to both programs.
Substance Use Workforce Crisis: Drivers, Challenges, and Promising Strategies
As the demand for substance use services grows, the need for a strong, sustainable workforce has never been more urgent. A new issue brief developed by NASADAD, The Substance Use Workforce Crisis: Drivers, Challenges, and Promising Strategies, explores the systemic issues fueling the workforce shortage and highlights innovative solutions being implemented across the country.
The brief outlines promising approaches—from creating pathway programs and increasing compensation to integrating peer professionals and improving organizational culture. It presents actionable strategies to grow and sustain a skilled workforce and features real-world examples of how these strategies are being applied in states and communities nationwide to strengthen recruitment, retention, and professional advancement.
Importantly, the brief emphasizes that addressing workforce challenges requires a long-term, sustained commitment. Policymakers, states, providers, and stakeholders are encouraged to invest in comprehensive workforce development plans that reflect the essential role of substance use professionals in prevention, treatment, and recovery support.
NASADAD Unveils New Name: Embracing Language that Reflects Our Commitment to Single State Agencies (SSAs) and the People They Serve
Words Matter. People Matter.
Today marks a significant milestone for us at NASADAD as we proudly unveil our new name, brand, and logo—reflecting our renewed dedication to the respect and dignity of individuals and communities affected by substance use, misuse, and use disorders (SUD).
We thank you for your patience as we update our public website.
Click on the short video below to learn more!
For years, our organization’s name has included the term “Abuse”—a word that, despite its clinical roots, can unintentionally harm the very individuals we strive to help. As we move forward, we’re proud to announce a new name that better aligns with our mission: The National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Agency Directors (NASADAD).
We’re not just changing our name; we’re reaffirming our dedication to ensuring States have the resources and policies they need to empower communities, foster recovery, and uphold the dignity of every individual.
Our new logo symbolizes this transformation and embodies the core values of NASADAD.
- The blue in our logo symbolizes trust, reliability, and professionalism, essential traits as we continue to serve as a unifying voice for state agencies across the nation.
- The sharp points of the “A” letters in our logo are reminiscent of a star, symbolizing the States and our commitment to reaching the highest points of success, quality, excellence, and leadership.
- The green represents growth, while the arch symbolizes NASADAD’s role as a connector, partner, and collaborator. It also evokes the feeling of a “horizon,” signifying limitless possibilities for systems improvement and a broad vision for health and well-being.
Issue Brief: Overview of SAMHSA’s Women’s Addiction Services Leadership Institute (WASLI) & Considerations for Reinstituting WASLI 2.0
NASADAD has developed an issue brief on an Overview of SAMHSA’s Women’s Addiction Services Leadership Institute (WASLI) & Considerations for Reinstituting WASLI 2.0. The brief documents the history of the program, the importance of WASLI, the benefits of the program, and offers considerations for an updated version of the institute should it be reinstated.
NASADAD has been promoting the reinstatement of WASLI, a leadership program that was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) from 2008-2018 designed to strengthen the women’s services workforce. The program’s goals were to strengthen the capacity of emerging leaders to meet the prevention, treatment, and recovery needs of women with substance use and co-occurring mental disorders, develop participant’s leadership skills, and create a network of the next generation of leaders in women’s services.
We thank those who helped support and contribute to the development of this paper, which will be a vital resource as NASADAD continues to pursue efforts to support the reestablishment of WASLI.
NASADAD Participates in SAMHSA’s Recovery Walk
This year, NASADAD was proud to participate in SAMHSA’s Recovery Walk, showing our commitment to supporting individuals and communities affected by substance use disorders. This walk reflects the collective efforts of our federal and state partners, community organizations, and stakeholders to advance and celebrate recovery.
You can watch the full video of our participation below:
NASADAD Recognizes September as Recovery Month
NASADAD is pleased to share the 2024 NASADAD Recovery Month Collage!
National Recovery Month is an annual observance held each September to celebrate people in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and raise awareness for critical recovery support services. National Recovery Month has adopted a permanent theme of “Every person. Every family. Every Community.” Through this theme, Recovery Month seeks to elevate recovery practices and the effectiveness of SUD services to educate the public, stakeholders, and communities that recovery from SUD is possible for everyone.
NASADAD members are the lead agency in each State or jurisdiction responsible for managing federal funds dedicated to addressing substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. This month, our Members wear purple to celebrate recovery and promote awareness of SUD issues. NASADAD is grateful for the work all our members do in their States and jurisdictions to support recovery every day of the year.
Thank you to all who participated.
NASADAD Federal Update: Overview of Proposed Funding for FY 2025
NASADAD has developed a chart that outlines the proposed funding levels for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025) for NASADAD’s priority programs within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), as well as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
Congress has yet to pass a final appropriations bill for FY 2025.
NASADAD/NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING RELEASE BRIEF ON BEST PRACTICES FOR EFFECTIVE ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES
Through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions (CoE), NASADAD, in collaboration with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, developed an issue brief on Best Practices for Effective Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Services. Initiation of substance use often occurs during adolescence, with adolescents reporting using substances to feel good, get high, relieve pain or aid with sleep problems. Adverse consequences of adolescent substance misuse include overdose, risk of developing substance use disorders (SUDs), negative impacts on brain development and even death.
This resource guide offers information about evidence-based best practices tailored for adolescents struggling with SUDs. It addresses the urgent need for specific interventions for youth during this critical developmental stage by presenting best practices designed to respond to their treatment and recovery needs. Emphasizing a holistic approach, this resource provides guidance so that service providers and caregivers are equipped with the tools to support adolescents through every stage of recovery and toward a healthier future.