International Programs

CADCA - a unique international organization

CADCA headquartered in the historic city of Alexandria, Virginia, about 4 kilometers from the nation’s capital, has established itself as one of the leading substance abuse non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the United States. CADCA assists community coalitions by providing the support they need to become stronger, more effective and better able to sustain population-level reductions in substance abuse rates and related problems. CADCA currently represents over 5,000 community coalitions across the United States and over eighty coalitions in sixteen countries on three continents. Over the years, CADCA’s primary activities have been public policy advocacy, training, conferences, technical assistance and the development of print and electronic resources in target languages.

Community Anti-Drug Coalitions

Scientific studies indicate that the community coalition approach is an effective strategy for addressing substance abuse and related problems. Coalitions connect multiple sectors of the community - including businesses, parents, media, law enforcement, schools, faith organizations, health providers, social service agencies and government – to collaborate and develop plans, policies and strategies to achieve reductions in the rates of consumption at the community level. Community coalitions reside at the heart of a proven comprehensive public health approach to reduce drug use, alcohol abuse and related problems through a structured planning process that promotes civic engagement and the building of social capital. 

CADCA's International Activities

CADCA has been working to reduce drug abuse internationally through the establishment of multi-sector anti-drug community coalitions since 2005. CADCA’s international work reflects its domestic mission: to create safe, healthy and drug-free communities. CADCA offers training, technical assistance and other resources on the strategy of community coalitions to non-governmental organizations, government agencies and community groups in numerous countries affected by the cultivation, trafficking and use of illicit drugs. CADCA’s international trainings offer essential competencies and skills necessary to help create a culture of legality and bring about reductions – at the community level – illicit drug use rates. CADCA, an NGO in consultative status with the United Nation’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), also participates in many international conferences and meetings, including the annual meeting of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Austria. CADCA’s international program is financially supported by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.