Addiction issues are in the news more than ever before. Meta analysis presented will show that while increased reporting raises public  awareness of addiction, it increasingly disparages the addiction treatment field. Without advocacy, the field is being portrayed as ineffective, rudderless, and permeated by fraud. Through example and discussion, this presentation will demonstrate the problem of lacking representation, propose the long-term effects on treatment providers, and recommend a way forward. By working cohesively to craft and project accurate messages to the American public through the media, addiction professionals may inspire new hope, regain trust, clarify misperception, and position themselves as agents of change. This presentation is geared toward addiction treatment and behavioral health executives and those in positions to drive change in the field.
After attending, participants will be able to: