Atlanta, GA – The American Addiction Recovery Association (AARA) was introduced and launched at the Georgia State Capitol. 

The mission of the American Addiction Recovery Association is simple but powerful: To save lives, restore families, and strengthen communities.

AARA is America’s exclusive organization which combines the voices of families and survivors to address the addiction epidemic. Working together, survivors and family members will make a difference.

AARA will do for addiction what the Susan G. Komen Foundation has done for breast cancer – shatter stigma and show America that recovery is real. 

AARA will work with governments at the federal, state, and local levels to advocate for funding and policy issues to address the addiction epidemic.

AARA will work with businesses, faith leaders, education leaders, law enforcement, and the health care community to change the culture and offer tools and resources so those in need of support can receive it in a professional and effective manner.

The number one cause of death in the United States for Americans 18 – 45 is overdose. This is not acceptable. The numbers are at historic highs in terms of cases of active addiction and overdoses. On average, 200 Americans overdose each day which is equivalent to a 737-plane crashing every day.

Who We Are:

Doreen Barr: A mom who lost her son Ryan to the disease of addiction – “I know firsthand what the horrible loss of SUD can bring. Our loved ones are dying because of this epidemic.  Families need help navigating what to do, where to get help, and how to cope with this devastation.”

Jeff Breedlove: A government and political strategist in recovery from addiction – The American Addiction Recovery Association looks forward to working on addiction recovery as we ensure the United States continues to advance recovery-friendly policy involving prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. There is no issue more important than addiction recovery. Survivors and families impacted by these medical issues need and deserve substance use action policies and funding to save lives.” 

Scott Cochran: eight-time college football national champion coach in recovery from addiction – “Fired up & excited about AARA!!! We are going to save lives and change the culture of stigma of addiction. It is important that America prioritizes the needs of people seeking or in recovery. Governments from Washington D.C., to state capitols, to local governments in communities across the United States must work with the business, faith, education, law enforcement, and health care communities to address the addiction epidemic with programs, policies, and funding.”

TaTa-Nisha Frazier: a community leader and organizer in recovery from addiction – “At AARA, we are going to bring addiction recovery to communities across America. We will build diverse and inclusive coalitions and partnerships to empower the voices of all those impacted by the disease of addiction as we break stigma and celebrate that recovery is real.”

Nancy Jester: former elected official who was impacted by a senior staff member in addiction – “I am honored to be part of AARA as we work to illuminate a path for families and patients with substance use diseases. I look forward to AARA shining a light on the best practices and effective public policies on this issue.”

Jon Langston: a construction industry leader and founder of Reboot Jackson in recovery from addiction – “As a person in recovery I am honored to be invited to be a part of AARA. AARA will eliminate the whisper and bring addiction recovery to communities across America through the combination of family and survivor voices.”

What We Do:

• Develop and advocate for policies regarding addiction, substance use, and mental health.
• Partner with businesses to build a stronger workforce.
• Provide resources and support to change the culture regarding addiction recovery.

How We Do It:

• Partner with Businesses – Productivity and employee retention issues combined with additional healthcare costs translates to American companies losing $750 billion annually based on substance use issues. Much of this is driven by addiction. We provide resources so entities are equipped to work with employees in active addiction and recovery.
• Partner with Elected Officials – Provide data and support the need to craft policies to eliminate the stigma of substance use disorder and help those impacted.
• Partner with Faith Leaders – Provide education and information to address addiction and mental health issues with their congregants. Often, they are the first stop.
• Partner with Education Leaders – Too many educational institutions turn away from addressing addiction and mental health due to stigma. Provide support and programs to students and staff.
• Partner with Law Enforcement/First Responders – This community often sees people only during a crisis. It is imperative there are programs and trainings to educate and support the full spectrum of addiction and mental health.
• Partner with Health Care Providers – Providers directly help those impacted by addiction and mental health. They need to understand the survivor and family voice in collaboration with the clinical voice.
• Partner with Local Communities – Work with local leaders to break the stigma and build stronger neighborhoods. 29 million Americans are in recovery. 46 million Americans are in active addiction. Based on these numbers, and a multiplier of 3, 68% of the population of the United States is impacted by this disease. 

Educating America:

Addiction impacts more than just the person in crisis. Families, friends, employers, and co-workers are also impacted by addiction. We help Americans understand the stigma of this disease and offer resources to help those in need. We craft a path of hope and recovery forward. From Congress to the State Capitols to County Commissions and City Council meetings across America, we are the voice of recovery.

Recovery requires survivors, family members, elected officials, policy makers, business, faith, education, and community leaders working together, educating the community, providing access to resources, and raising awareness so no one feels like they are alone when facing addiction and mental health issues.

The Numbers:

• In America, it is estimated there are 29 million people in recovery and 46 million in active addiction.
• The number of fentanyl laced pills seized by law enforcement grew 3200% from 2018 (290,000) to 2021 (9,650,000).
• In 2022,109,000 Americans lost their lives to an opioid overdose.
• The Kaiser Foundation: 49% of all working adults struggle with substance use. 90% of Americans experience, or have experienced, a behavioral health issue.