The American Council on Addiction and Alcohol Problems (ACAAP) is a national organization dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by alcohol and other drugs through advocacy, education, and collaboration. As the successor to the American Temperance League and the Anti-Saloon League established in 1895, acaap.us continues a long-standing tradition of promoting abstinence and supporting policies aimed at reducing substance abuse in the United States.
Mission and Philosophy
ACAAP’s mission centers on uniting state temperance organizations, national religious bodies, and similar concerned groups to tackle issues related to alcohol and other drugs. The organization believes that problems associated with substance use are directly proportional to consumption levels; higher consumption leads to increased instances of death, dependency, disease, delinquency, economic costs, and societal disruption. To mitigate these issues, ACAAP focuses on reducing both the number of consumers and the per-capita consumption rates of alcoholic beverages and other drugs. This approach involves strategies aimed at decreasing both the supply and demand for these substances.
Programs and Services
ACAAP offers a range of programs and services designed to support its mission:
- Legislative Advocacy: The organization monitors national issues related to alcohol and other drugs, supporting lobbying activities in the nation’s capital to influence public policy. Notable achievements include restoring “Age 21” laws for alcohol purchase, mandating warning labels on alcoholic beverage containers, increasing federal excise taxes on alcoholic beverages, and securing no-smoking policies aboard airplanes.
- Educational Initiatives: ACAAP conducts information awareness activities to warn the public about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, counteract the glamorization of substance use, and advocate for voluntary abstinence as a healthy lifestyle choice for individuals of all ages.
- Resource Provision: Serving as a clearinghouse for ideas and information, ACAAP provides research materials, technical assistance, and educational program development to its members. Affiliation benefits include identity as part of a unified national voice advocating abstinence, membership in a supportive fellowship, and access to annual national board meetings featuring experts in alcohol policy issues.
Areas of Awareness
ACAAP emphasizes several key areas to raise public awareness:
- Alcohol Awareness Month: Held every April, this initiative aims to increase public understanding of alcoholism as a chronic, progressive disease that is treatable. The campaign seeks to reduce the stigma that often prevents individuals and families from seeking help.
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): ACAAP provides resources and information to educate the public about FAS, a preventable condition resulting from alcohol consumption during pregnancy that can lead to lifelong physical and cognitive impairments.
- Red Ribbon Week: This annual event promotes drug prevention and education efforts, encouraging communities to take a visible stand against substance abuse.
Current Issues
ACAAP addresses several pressing issues related to substance use:
- Opioid Crisis: Recognizing the severity of the opioid epidemic, ACAAP provides information and resources to combat opioid misuse and supports policies aimed at reducing opioid-related deaths.
- Marijuana Legalization: The organization monitors developments related to marijuana legalization, advocating for policies that consider the potential public health implications of increased marijuana availability.
- Gambling: ACAAP acknowledges the intersection between gambling and substance use, providing resources to address gambling addiction and its associated risks.
Annual Meetings
ACAAP hosts annual national board meetings that offer members opportunities to hear from experts on alcohol and drug policy issues, participate in workshops and seminars, and network with leaders in the field. These meetings serve as a platform for sharing reports from state affiliates and discussing strategies to address substance-related challenges.
Membership and Governance
The organization’s membership comprises state temperance organizations, national Christian denominations, and other fraternal groups that support ACAAP’s philosophy of abstinence. The Board of Directors, consisting of representatives from state affiliates and cooperating organizations, governs ACAAP’s activities and initiatives.
Contact Information
ACAAP is headquartered at 2376 Lakeside Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244. For more information or to get involved, individuals can contact the organization at 205-989-8177 or via email at Admin@ACAAP.us.
Conclusion
The American Council on Addiction and Alcohol Problems remains a pivotal organization in the fight against substance abuse. Through its advocacy, educational programs, and collaborative efforts, ACAAP continues to work towards a society where individuals and families can lead healthy, substance-free lives.
