We’re Loud about Recovery!
The Association of Persons Affected by Addiction (APAA) is a leading provider of recovery support for individuals with mental health, co-occurring, and/or substance use challenges. For 26 years, we’ve been at the forefront of providing life-saving, peer-to-peer support — support that’s personalized, evidence-based, and aimed at achieving long-term recovery.
We began as a small operation with a handful of volunteers in 1998. Today, we have a footprint across North Texas serving individuals in Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall Counties.
Our Mission
To educate all segments of the community about the nature of addiction and mental health recovery, and provide recovery support services to individuals, families, and the community.
APAA is a Recovery Community Organization (RCO), accredited with the Council on Accreditation of Peer Recovery Support Services (CAPRSS). CAPRSS is the only accrediting body in the United States specifically for RCOs offering addiction peer recovery support services.
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A recovery community organization (RCO) is an independent, non-profit organization led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery.
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Accreditation is an intense and intensive process that looks at seven areas (called domains):
• Recovery Principles, Culture and Climate
• Ethical Framework for Service Delivery
• Peer Leader Development
• Peer Supervisor Development
• Governance and Program Oversight
• Management Systems
• Peer Support Capacity: Core Competencies
APAA is The 1st RCO in Texas to receive national accreditation from CAPRSS and one of two agencies in Texas designated with “Exemplary” status.
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• RCO’s, their staff and programs always focused on recovery first
• RCO’s gear their services to all people. Their programs and services reflect cultural diversity and inclusion
• Decisions are made through the participatory process from the staff, stakeholders, partnerships, and individuals receiving services
• RCO’s run on the peer-helping-peer model
• Programs allow for leadership development in staff, volunteers and individuals receiving services
• All programs, services, communications and policies are strength-based
• All programs and services encourage individual autonomy and choice
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Peer recovery support services are provided by people who have lived experience with a substance use disorder or a mental health challenge. They help individuals stay engaged in the recovery process and increase the likelihood of long-term recovery.
Peer Support works. Here’s why.
3.4M
$3,422,632 saved in healthcare costs
In total, recovery support services saved $3,422,632 in healthcare costs, representing a 72% savings in costs over 12 months.
54%
owning or renting their own living quarters after 12 months
Housing status improved with 54% of long-term coaching participants owning or renting their own living quarters after 12 months, compared to 32% at enrollment.
58%
Increased employment
Employment increased to 58% after 12 months from 24% at enrollment.
“We are the subject matter experts because we’ve experienced years of health, wellness, and recovery.”
Joe Powell - President & Chief Executive Officer
Get Involved
advocacy
Our lives prove that recovery is possible, and our stories inspire action. Join us in replacing misinformation with understanding, misperception with empathy, and denial with hope.
Volunteer opportunities
Volunteering your time—whether you're in recovery from alcohol or substance use or you are a loved one of someone in recovery, you can share your time and talents in one of APAA’s programs.
Make a Donation
A donation of any amount will help APAA continue its life-saving work. Recovery support is an important job — but with your support, we’re up to the task. Make a tax-deductible donation today!