Shaping Recovery: The Power of Advocacy in Addiction Treatment
It's important for the treatment professional...the more information that you can provide them with, the more informed decision they can make.
Ever wondered how public policy can influence addiction recovery? In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods dives into the crucial role of advocacy in addiction prevention, treatment, and support. Joining her are Gerry Schmidt, a seasoned professional with over three decades in mental health and addiction treatment, and Daniel Guarnera, a government relations expert for NAADAC and NAATP.
They break down the significant strides made in 2007 with addiction-focused bills in Congress and look ahead to future policy changes that could shape the landscape of recovery. The conversation also touches on the Advocacy in Action conference, a pivotal event for addiction professionals and treatment providers. Schmidt and Guarnera stress the importance of bringing personal stories to the forefront to influence decision-makers and the public.
They also discuss the unique challenges veterans face when returning from conflict zones and the efforts to ensure they receive adequate mental health and addiction treatment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how grassroots advocacy can lead to meaningful change in addiction treatment policies.