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Only 5-10% of U.S. voters ever contact their legislators about pubic-policy issues, which is why even small groups of dedicated advocates can have a disproportionate influence on decisions made in Washington and state capitols.
-Sue Thau, CADCA
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The Association of Substance Abuse Programs (ASAP) was created in 1993 through a grassroots effort of community based non-profit substance abuse service providers. It is an organization comprised of agency members that provide drug and alcohol education, prevention, intervention and treatment services.
ASAP is organized for the purpose of increasing resources and improving the scope, quality and availability of substance abuse services for the people of Texas. To accomplish this purpose, one of the most effective tools at our disposal is public policy advocacy. Advocacy means we work to educate decision makers about substance use disorders and the effectiveness of prevention and treatment services. We strive to change law and regulations so that quality, cost effective services can be provided as an integral part of the solution to drug and alcohol problems in our communities.
The most important ingredient in grassroots public policy advocacy is You… your personal experience and commitment help to make a difference. Your willingness to communicate regularly with your elected officials creates a needed voice for substance abuse issues and recovery. We hope you will become an active advocate on behalf of your community and help impact the lives of those affected by the disease of alcoholism and addiction.
The members of ASAP are dedicated to changing the face of addiction in Texas. These are several of the cornerstones that our members are committed to.
REDUCE HEALTH CARE COSTS: Expand access to prevention and treatment services through private health insurance and public healthcare systems.
DECREASE WELFARE DEPENDENCY: Recognize and address drug and alcohol problems as a barrier to self sufficiency and include prevention and treatment services in Texas welfare reform programs.
STRENGTHEN TEXAS YOUTH, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES: Facilitate coordination, collaboration and expansion of substance abuse prevention services to help children grow up healthy, principled and productive.
CURTAIL CRIME, RECIDIVISM AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE COSTS: Increase substance abuse treatment opportunities as an alternative to incarceration and provide prevention services to offender families to interrupt the drug abuse/criminal justice cycle.
INCREASE WORKPLACE PRODUCTIVITY: Provide employers with incentives to establish drug and alcohol free work environments.
ENHANCE HEALTH CARE DELIVERY: Educate healthcare professionals to recognize drug and alcohol abuse and dependency symptoms which will facilitate the provision of cost effective early intervention and treatment.
