Excitement Builds in California on the Eve of CAADAC/CAARR Consolidation

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1 Excitement Builds in California on the Eve of CAADAC/CAARR Consolidation By Pete Nielsen, Interim Executive Director CAADAC/CCBADC/CFAAP Whether you call addiction treatment professionals change agents or agents of change one thing is for sure, it is their goal to help people to make changes in their lives, so clients and/or patients can improve their quality of life. This year is a historic year; two of the largest pioneering organizations will transform their individual organizations into one consolidated entity. This will inherently change the environment for substance use disorders treatment professionals who are certified, as well as treatment and recovery programs and education providers that operate in California. What Does the Change Look Like? The California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources (CAARR) and the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) are joining together to consolidate into one fully inclusive organization, the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (). Combined, these organizations serve approximately 10,000 addiction focused treatment professionals and about 500 recovery and treatment programs in California. Those whom serves will be pleasantly surprised by the streamlined effect that will make their professional profile, programs, recovery homes, educational programs, credentials, certification, and other professional approvals etc. much easier to maneuver through as well as invite new individuals into the largest and most influential organization in California.

2 As you may know, both CAARR and CAADAC have had several overlapping processes and services. Additionally, CAARR and CAADAC have had their own separate and unique expertise services. The mission of is to promote excellence in the delivery of services focused on substance use and its associated problems by providing the highest level of advocacy, competency, and ethics among programs and professionals. The main focus will be on membership, advocacy, and governance. The other two organizations under the auspice of have their own individual missions as well. The Education Institute mission is to provide education and technical assistance regarding addiction, treatment, recovery, and associated problems. The Credentialing s mission is to license and certify qualified addiction-focused professionals towards attaining the highest professional standards. Once again, will be the foremost single organization to serve addiction treatment professionals and programs. California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals EDUCATION INSTITUTE CREDENTIALING The Inaugural Conference! CAARR and CAADAC traditionally held separate conferences, but now under the new name of this year there will be one incredible conference in San Diego from October 30 until

3 November 2 nd at the Mission Bay Hyatt. This conference will be a one stop shop for the addiction professional. With individual professional training and workshop tracks for executive directors/administrators, clinical supervisors, sober living manager track, counselors, interventionist, medication assisted treatment specialist, criminal justice professionals, prevention professionals, co-occurring disorder professionals, and women s treatment specialists. Additionally, the focus of workshops and plenary events will include education on cultural competency, ethics, motivational interviewing, neuroscience, affordable care act, and many more. If that is not enough, we will provide workshops to help individuals who inspire to have or currently have a full time or part time substance abuse treatment private practice. The Conference is located at one of the most popular destinations in California, so this conference is a must attend. With many local attractions including SeaWorld located right next to the hotel. Discover exciting things to do in San Diego whether it is relaxing on a deck chair and watching the boats in the marina, go sport fishing, take a water taxi over to SeaWorld San Diego, or hang out in the Blue Marble spa. Can anyone say burnout prevention?! This is a premier choice among San Diego resort destinations, our California coastal chic property is located on Mission Bay - the largest aquatic preserve in the U.S. - and surrounded by the serenity of azure blue water. Eight acres of lush landscaping are dotted with serene gardens, three freestyle swimming pools with water slides, and observation decks with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay. (Add your vacation on and bring the entire family!) This hotel will has given our conference attendees an affordable room rates starting at $119 per night including complementary internet access. Also, free parking for attendee s and hotel guests. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina is a thriving resort destination offering a wonderful range of San Diego activities, including fun activities for kids. Discover the pleasures of the Hyatt s awardwinning pool and water slides with your family and friends; it s a great way to dive into the

4 activities available at our resort. Famed Mission Beach Boardwalk is minutes away. Grab some Mission Bay Boardwalk rentals and enjoy rollerblading, skateboarding, and biking in San Diego. You can make room reservations by calling the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Reservation Office at Please let them know you are attending the 2014 Annual Conference. There will be a Halloween costume dance on Halloween night. This is a chance to go out and get all dressed up as a super hero, horror movie character, or your alter ego. Also there will be an ice cream social/networking event scheduled on one of the evenings. Did we mention that the conference registration will be only $250 for members? This conference is going to have more than 60 different exhibitors from all over the country to exhibit in the tradeshow. This is a great opportunity to check out some of the latest and greatest items and tools to improve your program, services or individuals skills. This is a unique opportunity for your agency or company to showcase products or services. We welcome all addiction treatment counselors, social workers, therapists, physicians, nurses, and interventionists, as well as the addiction treatment providers, behavioral healthcare organizations, and mental health providers. We will also have continuing education units/hours approved by the BBS, BRN, CAADE, Breining, and CADPT.

5 This conference will be a momentous occasion. We are in exciting times with great things on our horizons. Come join us this year, so you can say you were at the first ever conference. Plus, you can bring the family and make it an all-out best vacay ever! We look forward to seeing you all in San Diego!!!!