Who Are We?

The Maryland affiliate of NCADD was formed in 1988. We are one of over 90 NCADD affiliates operating in the country. In our 38-year history public acceptance and recognition has grown in acknowledging NCADD-Maryland as the State's preeminent treatment/recovery education, advocacy and public policy organization. We feel we are uniquely positioned to provide both a local and statewide perspective on issues related to alcoholism, drug dependence and barriers affecting treatment accessibility.

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Image with three sections. The left section has a target icon with an arrow and the word "MISSION," stating the goal to raise awareness of alcohol and drug dependence issues and supporting those affected. The right section has an eye icon with a gear inside and the word "VISION," emphasizing access to prevention, intervention, and treatment services for Maryland citizens. The center section has a yellow background with bold black text reading "ADVOCACY EDUCATION OUTREACH."
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February 1992

The Maryland Chapter formed the Access to Treatment program that assists individuals in finding treatment. A part-time addictions counselor, with more than 20 years' experience in the field, screens calls made to the information and referral line and referred people to treatment programs in Maryland.

January 2000

The Maryland Chapter hired its first full-time staff person to coordinate the government relations and advocacy efforts of the organization. This staff person also convenes the statewide coalition called ATAM - Addiction Treatment Advocates of Maryland.

March 2014

The Maryland Chapter led the legislative efforts to get the Good Samaritan Law passed in Maryland. The law was enacted to encourage people to call for help when someone is facing a medical emergency due to drugs or alcohol. Maryland is one of 47 other states and the District of Columbia that have enacted some form of a Good Samaritan or 9-1-1 drug immunity law.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • While NCADD-Maryland is not a direct-service treatment provider, we will assist someone in identifying and accessing resources in your area. While NCADD-Maryland is not a treatment provider, we can assist you in locating resources in your area.

  • The answer to this question depends on many factors including the type of insurance coverage you have and what services are covered. You should contact your insurance provider to determine what services are available to you. They may also be able to assist you with locating a treatment program.  

  • Many treatment programs offer services to Maryland’s uninsured, while others utilize a variety of sliding fee approaches based on the financial need of the person seeking treatment. You should discuss financial arrangements with any program you are considering. Click here to identify publicly-funded programs in your community.

  • Unfortunately, the demand for high quality, and accessible, treatment services often exceeds demand in many of Maryland’s jurisdictions. When contacting a program and being told a waiting list exists ask for assistance in identifying other programs or in identifying other support systems such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or other 12- Step support meetings, while you await entry. Unfortunately, the demand for quality treatment services often exceeds program capacity in many areas. The treatment center staff can assist you to find an appropriate level of community support, such as 12 Step meetings, while you await entry.

  • Addiction is a health matter that might require being treated on an in-patient basis, just as other health conditions such as heart disease and mental illness. Just as with these diseases your employer should not be able to terminate your employment solely based on the presence of the disease, though you should seek legal advice if you require further clarification of your rights in this area. Many people are able to enter outpatient treatment programs that allow them to continue their employment. You should investigate the options available to you given your situation in consultation with your treatment professional. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental health Services/Center for Addiction Treatment (CSAT) to learn more about your rights.

  • Addiction is often referred to as a physical and mental disease. Discontinuing the usage of certain drugs will often involve a person experiencing certain withdrawal symptoms, both physical and psychological. Your body will respond to the lack of the substance when you choose to abstain. The degree of your symptoms will vary widely depending on your particular drug-using history, including how long you have used and the types of drug(s) abuse. Your treatment provider will discuss options for managing your symptoms as part of your treatment assessment process.

  • The choices that people make in selecting treatment programs are highly individual and are influenced by many factors. The important thing is to find a program that you feel will allow you to succeed. Remember that despite a person’s choice of treatment, everyone has chosen recovery.

  • Maryland treatment providers are always seeking qualified, motivated professionals who want to work in the field of addiction treatment and recovery. Your individual goals will depend on your education and area of interest. Counselors, therapists, social workers and nurses all work in treatment settings. Contact a local treatment center or college that offers a degree or certification program for more information about the variety of careers that serve the addiction treatment field. There may be state tuition assistance funding available to assist you in achieving your educational goals to work in this field.

  • NCADD-Maryland welcomes volunteers to work along with staff in advancing our public policy and advocacy work, public education and health fair event staffing and in planning and conducting our professional education programs. Contact our office today and we will be happy to discuss our current volunteer opportunities! Click here to send us a personal message.

  • This is one of the main missions of NCADD-Maryland! Join us and become active in our advocacy work, attend advocacy training and help us educate the public about the need for our communities to have adequate treatment programs across the state