Membership in this organization shall be open to any person or organization whose philosophy in regard to alcoholism and drug addiction is consistent with the following statement: “Alcohol and other drug dependency is a single, separate disease characterized by a definitive set of symptoms. It is not simply a symptom of another disease. It is a primary, chronic, progressive and potentially fatal disease.  Its effects are systemic, predictable and unique.  Without intervention and treatment, the disease runs an inexorable course marked by progressive crippling of mental, physical, and spiritual functioning with a devastating impact on all sectors of life – social, physiological, family, financial, vocational, educational, moral/spiritual, and legal.  While alcohol and other drug dependence is a complex illness and can co-exist with mental disorders, it should not be characterized as a behavioral problem arising from, or a symptom of, a mental disorder. Alcohol and drug dependence is successfully treatable and subject to prevention measures.”

Membership Categories: 

• Organizational Member - Any organization or entity that provides alcohol, drug, and/or other addiction treatment, prevention, advocacy or recovery support services is eligible to become an Organizational Member of TAADAS.

•  Individual Member – Individual membership is open to any individual with an interest in alcohol, drug, or other addiction services in Tennessee.  Examples of persons in this category may include, but are not limited to, individuals who work in the addiction services field, licensed counselors or those working toward licensure, employee assistance professionals, risk managers or other managed care professionals.  They may also be someone who has been affected by alcohol and drug abuse or other addiction, be it by a family member or a loved one, or by their own addiction.  Or they may simply be someone who recognizes the scope of this problem and wants to demonstrate their support through membership in a professional association of like-minded individuals.

•  Vendor Member – This category of membership is open to corporations and businesses that provide products or services to substance abuse prevention and treatment providers and professionals, and who also have a civic interest in this important cause.  The Vendor membership category recognizes their support, as well as the business relationships they have established with these providers and professionals.

•  Corporate Member – Corporate membership is open to any corporation, business, private company, etc. that has a civic interest in alcohol, drug and other addiction treatment, intervention, education, and prevention services, and wants to demonstrate their support of this cause through membership in an organization of like-minded corporations and individuals. 

•  Student Member – Membership in this category is open to any individual who meets the criteria for the Individual Member category (above) and who is also a student currently pursuing a diploma, degree, or other certificate of learning.