About Us

Mission

To lead efforts to reduce alcoholism, drug addiction and problem gambling in California by developing, administering and supporting prevention, treatment and recovery programs.

Vision

To have Californians understand that alcoholism, drug addiction and problem gambling are chronic conditions that can be successfully prevented and treated.

Overview

The Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) was established upon enactment of the Health and Safety Code, Division 10.5, Sections 11750, et seq., (Stats. 1979, Ch. 679).  It is designated as the Single State Agency (SSA) responsible for administering and coordinating the State’s efforts in alcohol and drug abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services.  ADP is also the primary state agency responsible for interagency coordination of these services.  The Governor’s Policy Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse (GPC) was established to facilitate this coordination and is chaired by the Director of ADP.

In partnership with California’s 58 county alcohol and drug program administrators and in cooperation with numerous private and public agencies, organizations and individuals, ADP provides leadership and coordination in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive statewide alcohol and drug use prevention, intervention, detoxification and treatment and recovery system.  The Department utilizes each of the 58 county alcohol and drug programs as the broker of service.  The counties in turn are able to provide services to clients either directly or by contracting with local service providers.  California enjoys a statewide treatment, recovery and prevention network consisting of over 850 public and private community-based service providers which serve approximately 300,000 clients annually.

Organization

The Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs is organized into five divisions and eight offices.  The Department does not have any boards or commissions.