CAADAC/PAC Off to a Successful Start!

CAADAC/PAC Off to a Successful Start!

Excerpt from FREEDOM November-December 2005

Celebrity…. political contributions…. legislators who tell stories of rough housing with JFK? It may sound like an episode of the hit television show, West Wing, but it is a description of a real event—the first in CAADAC’s history—a political fund raiser held to gather support for CAADAC’s newly formed Political Action Committee (PAC).

On the first night of CAADAC’s Annual Conference, the CAADAC/PAC headlined the evening with a spirited talk given by Christopher Kennedy Lawford, nephew of President John Kennedy and son of movie actor and “Rat Pack” confidant, Peter Lawford. Lawford, who has just released a best selling book, Symptoms of Withdrawal, energized CAADAC/PAC members with his inspirational story of coming of age at a time when the field of addiction was also coming of age.
Lawford was at ease with an audience that didn't need educating about the basics of addiction and had an instant familiarity with the entire room. “He knows about addiction and he knows about politics,” said CAADAC President and PAC founder, Warren Daniels. “It was a perfect fit.”

Lawford spoke of addiction as a life long issue that extends well beyond sobriety. He relished his relationship with his children as an addict in recovery and showed tremendous understanding for the addictive nature of his family of origin. “I love my family,” explained Lawford. “I can not say how proud I am for all that they have accomplished.”

When asked why he decided to publish the book, a rare and unwelcome activity for a member of the Kennedy family, Lawford said that he wrote the book because he has a talent for writing and a story that needed telling.

Lawford also admits that a lot of his tour for the book encompasses teaching those he addresses about addiction, although that was not his original mission. He said that the book has created a forum for advocacy for recovery, an unexpected bonus to releasing the book.

“He is a wonderful advocate,” said Daniels. “It comes to him naturally and he is a great person for the job. His book and the promotion of it will reap benefits for all who treat addiction.”

With over 75 CAADAC/PAC members making generous contributions to CAADAC’s designated account for making political contributions, the evening was a success in more ways than one. “It was a terrific opportunity for CAADAC to introduce the membership to our PAC and to show our appreciation of the support of our members,” said Daniels. “We want to encourage active involvement in our PAC and giving its members rewards, like special engagements, will be a trend we will want to continue.”

In addition to admission to the PAC event, those who joined the PAC at the “Leadership Board” level ($250) also received a complimentary copy of Symptoms of Withdrawal, signed by the author. Many participants joined at the “Leadership Board” level while others opted to show their support with a “President’s Club” donation of $500. “As President, I set the example,” said President’s Club member Warren Daniels. “If certified counselors are serious about their support, they need to demonstrate that support in a way that is reflective of their business and professional investment.” CAADAC Past Presidents Tim Sinnott and Bob Crutcher also joined the “President’s Club” at the event.

The “President’s Club” is a distinction open to all CAADAC members regardless of their involvement in the organization’s governance. “We understand that for many counselors, going to meetings at the State Capitol or at the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs just isn't feasible,” said Daniels. “Donating to the PAC is something every member can do.”

To join the CAADAC/PAC simply return the CAADAC/PAC application or call for a brochure at 916-368-9412. There are still some copies available of Lawford’s book Symptoms of Withdrawal for those joining the CAADAC/PAC at the “Leadership Board” level.

—Sherry Daley