About Us

About

VAAP was founded in 1970, first as TAPISA (Tidewater Association of Professionals Interested in Substance Abuse), then in the late 1960’s as VAADAC (Virginia Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors), then, in 2013 as VAAP (Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals).

 

VAAP, an affiliate of “NAADAC”, The Association for the Addiction Professional, is guided by its Bylaws and works for the promotion and advancement of the profession through a Professional Code of Ethics, and the adoption of standards of competence to ensure the highest quality of services in counseling and treatment to help persons who have problems related to the use of substances in Virginia. Currently there are over 39 active state affiliates and 5 more international start-ups.

Mission

Providing addiction professionals with updated advocacy efforts, information on research & clinical interventions, and local, regional, & statewide training opportunities

Purposes

The general purposes of VAAP:

  • Promote and advance the careers of alcohol and drug counselors.
  • Promote ethical standards and professional standards of competence.
  • Ensure the highest quality of addiction counseling treatment.
  • Provide a united forum for Virginia’s Addiction Professionals.
  • Provide comprehensive advocacy, training, and educational programs to increase professional competence, capabilities, and impacts.
  • Collaborate with members of the medical, educational, and legal communities and other social and welfare workers concerning the prevention, management, and treatment of problems related to the use of alcohol and/or other drugs.