BECOME A MEMBER

As a THINK ADVOCACY member we will ask for your help to take action and contact your legislators through our simple and convenient online communications tools. Some of the HOT ISSUES NCADD-NJ will be contacting you about are detailed below:

ACCESS TO TREATMENT
• There is a disconnect between public perception and fact on addiction treatment. Treatment is difficult to find: more than half of the adults (71,000) and two-thirds of adolescents (9,400) in the state who sought treatment were unable to access it.

• There is broad public support for increasing New Jersey's alcohol tax to pay for additional treatment and prevention programs, yet the tax rate has not changed since 1991.

• The average benefits of alcohol and drug treatment exceed their costs by seven to one.

With your help NCADD-NJ will continue its commitment to support and advocate for measures that improve access to appropriate and effective treatment for all alcoholism and drug affected individuals and their families.

REDUCE YOUTH ALCOHOL USE
• 78% of NJ high school students have used alcohol ­- 48% in the past month.

• 40% of teens who drink before age 13 will develop alcohol abuse or dependence.

• 58% of NJ residents recognize that youth use of alcohol is a significant problem.

• 56% of students in grades 5-12 say that alcohol advertising encourages them to drink.

With your help and advocacy, NCADD-NJ will keep a high-profile commitment and public policy priority on reducing youth use of alcohol and its consequences.

ADDICTION DISCRIMINATION
• 90% of NJ residents view addiction as a serious problem.

• Amid a recent debate over the proposed opening of a recovery house, an elected official equated addiction recovery housing with a "dumping ground."

• NCADD-NJ has met with state policy makers and created an addictions bias panel to explore denial, limits on healthcare and "not in my backyard" attitudes about treatment providers and recovery houses.

With your help NCADD-NJ will battle stigma and continue to foster a more enlightened outlook toward addiction.

SUCCESS STORIES
Over the years NCADD-NJ has supported bills that have been passed into law. They are the true success stories. When you become involved your voice and participation helps to support public policies that advance treatment and prevention. We CAN make a difference.

<<bills supported and laws passed>>

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
• Tell a compelling story. You have something of value to contribute!

• Develop a personal, thoughtful and well argued message. The time and energy spent on this will not go unnoticed.

• Send your legislator newspaper articles, research, newsletters and fact sheets that address your issue.

• Get to know your legislator’s aide. A legislative assistant is the person who prepares a legislator for taking a position on an issue.

• In a meeting or on the phone deliver your message in 5 minutes or less.

• If you want someone to think about what you’re saying, ask for a response.

• Be persisitent!

Membership to THINK ADVOCACY is free. Your only commitment to the THINK ADVOCACY is to contact legislators when asked.

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