Beginning January 1, 2021, we are changing our name from The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-New Jersey (NCADD-NJ) to the National Center for Advocacy and Recovery for Behavioral Health (NCAAR-BH). There are several reasons for the agency to undertake a name change at this time. We have been an affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence for more than 30 years. Our national organization went out of business last year. However, that is not the primary reason for our name change. We are still dedicated to the mission Marty Mann began 75 years ago, but much has changed in that time.

Many years ago our national organization changed its name from the National Council on Alcoholism to The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence with the recognition that people with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), whether alcohol or other substances, had more similarities than differences. There has also been an increasing awareness and knowledge of the connection between SUD and mental health disorders. Many of the advocates who have volunteered for us have experienced both problems in themselves or their family members. In addition, in reviewing the nature of the individuals we serve in our Work First New Jersey­ Substance Abuse Initiative (SAI) and Behavioral Health Initiative (BHI) programs within the social service offices, we have seen that an astounding 88% suffer from both, only 12% of the clients have solely a Substance Use Disorder. Therefore, in moving towards a name for our organization that reflects our activities, the term behavioral health needed to become an integral part of that name.

Another evolution in the realm of Substance Use Disorder was the movement away from focusing on treatment to the broader concept of recovery. We felt that our name should reflect that change, and of course, our mission has always been based on the life’s work of Marty Mann, one of advocacy on behalf of individuals and families impacted by Substance Use Disorder. We also advocate treating addiction as a public health concern which includes harm reduction and social justice. The National Center for Advocacy and Recovery- Behavioral Health has partnered with the Open Society Foundation and several others this year, to embark on decriminalizing addictive substances in the state of New Jersey. You can find our agency’s position here https://ncaar-bh.blogspot.com/p/decriminalization.html