Media Contact:
Shweta Adyanthaya
Washington, D.C. – Over 20 million people suffer from addiction in the United States – that’s one in seven people, according to the Addiction Policy Forum. CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) and Addiction Policy Forum have partnered together to create “What is Addiction?” a video highlighting the nature of addiction and its effects on the human body, brain and development.
The video, four minutes in length, is a “crash course” about how to prevent substance use disorders, how addiction can hijack the brain, and what can be done when faced with addiction.
“Addiction is preventable and sharing vital information to prevent substance use before it starts is paramount,” said General Arthur T. Dean, Chairman & CEO, CADCA. “This video explains substance use and addiction to really highlight the damage that can occur when substances are misused.”
CADCA works with thousands of local substance use and misuse prevention coalitions across the United States and around the world to provide specific, community-based prevention strategies and tools. Prevention is the first line of defense against harmful or risky substance use, and collaboration amongst sector leaders throughout the community increases positive impact.
According to the Addiction Policy Forum, on average, 174 people a day pass away from drug overdoses, and that number rises to 415 if you factor in alcohol-related deaths.
“We are proud to present this video alongside our partner, CADCA,” said Jessica Hulsey Nickel, President & CEO, APF. “Through collaboration, we can provide the best, most comprehensive materials for people in the field and in our communities. We hope this video will shed light on addiction and how it affects people of all ages and encourage an increase in substance use awareness as we face this opioid crisis.”
About CADCA
The mission of CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) is to strengthen the capacity of community coalitions to create and maintain safe, healthy and drug-free communities globally. This is accomplished by providing technical assistance and training, public policy advocacy, media strategies and marketing programs, training and special events.
About the Addiction Policy Forum
The Addiction Policy Forum is a diverse partnership of organizations, policymakers and stakeholders committed to working together to elevate awareness around addiction and to improve national policy through a comprehensive response that includes prevention, treatment, recovery, overdose reversal, law enforcement and criminal justice reform.
