About AADAC

Our Vision: A healthy society that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol, other drugs and gambling.

AADAC (the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission) is an agency funded by the Government of Alberta to assist Albertans in achieving freedom from the harmful effects of alcohol, other drugs and gambling. Corporate Mission Statement

AADAC's role is to promote people's independence and well being through increasing use of social, emotional, spiritual and physical resources, and to provide cost-effective, holistic alternatives to hospital-based and medical services.

AADAC is mandated by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Act to operate and fund programs and services and to conduct research.

The Commission Board

AADAC is governed by a Board of up to 12 Members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. The Chair is a Member of the Legislative Assembly. The Commission Board provides policy direction for AADAC's programs and services.

History

Founded in 1951 as the Alcoholism Foundation of Alberta to treat drinking problems, AADAC's name changed and its mandate expanded to include drugs in 1970. In 1994, AADAC became responsible for addressing problem gambling, and in 2002, Alberta Health and Wellness asked AADAC to coordinate the Alberta Tobacco Reduction Strategy.  More >>

Services

AADAC delivers programs and services in three areas:

• Information: Current and accurate information on alcohol, other drugs and gambling, and AADAC services. A variety of print and other resource materials (e.g., videos) are available to clients, parents, teachers, allied professionals and the public.
  
  
• Prevention: Community-based programs and services designed to prevent alcohol, other drug and gambling problems. Strategies are intended to increase protective factors and reduce risk factors associated with substance abuse and problem gambling.
  
  
• Treatment: A broad spectrum of programs and services that assist Albertans in their recovery from alcohol, other drug and gambling problems. Services include community-based outpatient counselling, day programs, crisis and detoxification services, short and long-term residential treatment and overnight shelter. Specialized services are available for youth, women, Aboriginal Albertans, business and industry referrals, and persons with opioid dependency or cocaine addiction.

AADAC's services are extensive. Each year close to 30,000 clients receive treatment and more than 90,000 people attend prevention activities or receive information from AADAC.

AADAC services are accessible. With a province-wide network of programs, Albertans have access to information, prevention and treatment services in the communities where they live and work.

AADAC treatment is effective. Ongoing monitoring of treatment outcomes shows that the majority of clients are satisfied with the services they receive and a majority of clients report that they are abstinent or improved following treatment.

AADAC services provide a good return on investment. Extensive North American studies demonstrate the value of specialized addiction services as a cost-effective and holistic alternative to hospital care.

Values

• We value people, treat them with respect and believe in their ability to succeed.
• We value individuals, families and communities as partners in addressing addiction problems.
• We value staff and their knowledge, skills, creativity, initiative and expertise.
• We value services that are grounded in research and experience.