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COAF |
COAF: The Center on Addiction and the Family
MISSION STATEMENT
When the problem is alcohol or other drug abuse, COAF speaks for, to and about the family.
Families and substance abuse cannot be thought of independently. Family issues often lie at the heart of addiction and recovery. Families themselves are profoundly affected throughout addiction, treatment, and recovery. At the same time, families can play a critical role in preventing substance abuse and promoting treatment and recovery. The role of family must inform the work of professionals working in the field of substance abuse.
Our mission is to ensure that individuals, families, and professionals receive information and services that embrace this philosophy, and in so doing, tap individual and family strengths and support the healing process.
Underlying this work is a set of firm beliefs:
All families have strengths, which should be called on whenever possible. When this cannot be achieved, individuals should be given the support they need to thrive on their own and form new support networks.
Family is not limited to those related by blood or marriage. The definition of family is broad and varied, and may include non-kin who have a lasting connection and sense of mutual responsibility.
Substance abuse affects extended as well as nuclear families, biological families as well as families of choice.
The two-way relationship between family and substance abuse should be considered throughout prevention, addiction, treatment, recovery, and relapse when it occurs.
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