Two major addiction treatment organizations representing counselors and providers are combining their advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., and nationally, the groups announced recently.

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, and the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) will jointly fund a lobbying staff, including a full-time legislative liaison. A single Department of Public Policy and Government Relations will serve both groups.

"This is an historic opportunity to show that we are stronger when we add our voices together," said NAADAC Executive Director Cynthia Moreno Touhy. "We recognize that with a united voice we are able to more effectively promote a common legislative and public-policy agenda."

Ronald Hunsicker, executive director of the NAATP, added, "Perhaps for the first time we are moving beyond our individual turf and taking the important collaborative steps to clearly present a unified position on important issues related to addiction and addiction treatment. This may well be a model for future efforts and for other organizations to join with us."