About the NCADD

Bill W. and Dr. Bob S. founded Alcoholics Anonymous.

Marty Mann founded the National Committee for Education on Alcoholism, today known as the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD).

Passage of the Alcoholic Rehabilitation Act of 1947 – the first federal legislation to recognize alcoholism as an illness.

NCADD helps Con Edison, DuPont, and other companies to develop Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

Lois W. founds Al-Anon.

Marty Mann’s “Primer on Alcoholism” is published.

AMA first defines alcoholism.

R. Brinkley Smithers establishes the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation.

AA publishes the Twelve Steps.

Ruth Fox, MD establishes the New York City Medical Society on Alcoholism, today known as the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). 


AMA develops a landmark resolution advocating for the widespread acceptance of individuals with alcoholism in general hospitals and urges hospital administrators to offer adequate and appropriate services.

E.M. Jellinek publishes “The Disease Concept of Alcoholism.”

AMA passed a resolution identifying alcoholism as a “complex” disease and recognizing that medical components are medicine’s responsibility.

Marty Mann retires as Executive Director of NCA.

President Johnson signed the “Public Services Amendment Act of
 1968” which provides $22 million in federal matching funds to build
and staff specialized facilities in community mental health centers
for the prevention and treatment of alcoholism and other drug addictions.

Congress passes the “Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention Treatment and Rehabilitation Act,” known as the Hughes Act for its sponsor in the Senate, Harold E. Hughes, a person with alcohol use disorder.

American Journal of Psychiatry and Annals of Internal Medicine published the “Criteria for the Diagnosis of Alcoholism.”

The Association of Labor-Management Administrators and Consultants on Alcoholism, now known as the Employee Assistance Professionals Association, meets for the first time.

NCADD’s The Alcoholism Report, the first newsletter devoted exclusively to the field of alcoholism, begins publication.

U.S. investigators first describe in published reports fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), the common pattern of birth defects observed in children born to mothers with alcoholism. 

The Association of Labor-Management Administrators and Consultants on Alcoholism, now known as the Employee Assistance Professionals Association, meets for the first time.

Congress creates the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

NCADD conducts Operation Understanding, a news conference in Washington, DC where 52 prominent individuals publicly acknowledge their recovery from alcoholism.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a grassroots advocacy program, was formed.

Marty Mann died of a stroke on July 22, 1980, at the age of 75. 

Former First Lady Betty Ford lends her name to a treatment center for alcoholism and other drug addictions.


NCADD calls for increased alcohol taxation, a national minimum age of 21 alcohol purchase law, and health warning labels for alcoholic products (goals that were all achieved by 1990).

The National Minimum Drinking Age Act requires all states to make the purchase or public possession of alcoholic beverages illegal for anyone under the age of 21 or lose federal funding for highways. 

Partnership for a Drug-Free America launches nation’s biggest public service advertising effort.

AMA declares that all drug dependencies are diseases, and their treatment is a legitimate part of medical practice.

NCADD initiates a toll-free Hope Line that receives more than 30,000 calls per year seeking information and referrals.

Mandated by federal law, warning labels began appearing on all alcoholic beverage containers.

NCADD name change goes into effect, reflecting the inclusion of drug dependence into NCADD’s mission.

Journal of the American Medical Association publishes the definition of 
alcoholism revised by NCADD and ASAM. 


The Americans with Disabilities Act extends job protection to individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders in the private sector, except in safety-sensitive positions.

NCADD originated a prevention program narrated by Meryl Streep, “What Should I Tell My Child About Drinking?”

NCADD honors Senator Paul Wellstone and Representative Jim Ramstad for their sponsorship of legislation prohibiting private health insurers who offer addiction treatment coverage from imposing discriminatory limits on these benefits.

NCADD joins other advocacy organizations to successfully oppose an NBC-TV proposal to air alcohol advertising on network television.

NCADD celebrates 60 years of Leadership and Service at the annual Conference of Affiliates.

NCADD is the Founding Partner of the Whole Health Campaign to bring alcohol, substance abuse, and mental health disorders into discussion of health care reform.

NCADD successfully advocates the passage of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Second Chance Act.

NCADD introduces Hope, Help and Healing: Personal Stories of Recovery public education campaign.

10,000 attend the NCADD and A&E TV National Recovery Rally in New York City.

NCADD successfully advocates the passage of the Affordable Care Act which includes “Parity” and benefits for access to prevention and treatment.

NCADD partners with Hallmark Hall of Fame “When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story,” starring Winona Ryder and Barry Pepper.

NCADD publishes “Consumer’s Guide to Medication Assisted Recovery.”

NCADD holds an Inaugural Gala in New York City, supported by leaders in fashion, media, and business.

NCADD celebrates 70 years of helping millions of individuals and families face the challenges of alcohol and substance use disorders.

NCADD celebrates 80 years of providing education, support, and advocacy to millions of people and enhances its Member Affiliate network across the country.

NCADD launches a new website.