Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse of NWLA

More information about CADA can be found at www.cadanwla.org.

For online classes, as well as resources for K-12 students, parents and educators, check out the CADA School of Addiction and Behavioral Health at www.cadaschool.com.

CADA has been providing hope for those struggling with substance use disorders - and their families - in Northwest Louisiana for 65 years. The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of Northwest Louisiana is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, private health organization providing substance abuse treatment services. CADA is one of 100 affiliates of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and is a CARF Accredited Organization.

CADA offers 13 programs out of four facilities in Shreveport, Bossier City, and Many, Louisiana, and accepts clients from all around the state. CADA also has a Mobile Crisis Outreach Team that operates in nine rural parishes throughout North Louisiana. CADA also offers prevention and outreach education throughout the community. CADA employs twelve Peer Recovery Support Specialists, many of whom completed CADA treatment programs themselves. These "Peers" are the first point of contact for CADA clients. Peers work with our clients during treatment and afterward for up to four years to help increase successful recovery outcomes.

CADA's Tootsie Davis Family Education Program offers free support meetings and education for family members of those struggling with addiction. The Tootsie Davis Essay Contest awards prizes to high school students for their winning essays about addiction. More info can be found at www.CADAnwla.org/famsupport. 

CADA's School of Addiction and Behavioral Health offers addiction-specific coursework that is open to any individual who is interested in learning more about substance use disorders. Students have the opportunity to earn up to 180 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) in the field of addiction. Classes are offered online at www.CADAschool.com.

Kerri's Story

Thank you for this opportunity to tell you a little bit of my story in support of CADA. I am a former CADA client. I came to CADA for residential addiction treatment in December 2012, as an alternative to going to prison.  Although I was frightened at first, CADA worked well for me.  For the first time in my life, I felt understood and genuinely cared for with no strings attached. I was constantly surrounded by dedicated staff members whose mission was to help another person learn to succeed in recovery. They provided the clinical treatment I needed, along with the education and tools necessary to stay clean and sober for the long term.

After completing the treatment program at CADA, I knew I wanted to work there. I applied for an entry level position, and in August 2013 I was hired as a cook at the CADA Adolescent Treatment Center.  From that point forward, I “moved up the ladder,” becoming a Direct Care Technician, then a DCT supervisor in Bossier. I also joined CADA’s alumni group, The CADA Connection, and volunteered to help other people find their way to recovery.

CADA offers free education for all staff, and in June of 2018, I completed training to become a credentialed Peer Recovery Support Specialist. The following year, I received further credentialing and was promoted to Peer Support Supervisor. As the Peer Support Supervisor, I met with clients for Peer Support, conducted weekly group meetings, assisted clients with exploring different avenues of recovery, and trained and supervised the other Peer Support Specialists. I am pleased to report that in 2023, I have again been promoted, this time to the position of Director of Client Relations and Engagement.

Looking back on how quickly I advanced at CADA, it's still hard to believe where I was when I began that journey. The leadership at CADA saw something in me worth saving and gave me a chance. I am completely dedicated to the cause and for the first time in my life, I have a job that I love doing with a nonprofit organization I believe in.  There is something truly amazing about getting to watch and play an active role in the transformation of a human life. Now that I have experienced this, I cannot imagine not being a daily part of it."

Today, I have over ten years of sobriety and a career helping others. I have been reunited with my children, and I now own my own home! I am, however, just one example of how CADA has helped people transform their lives - how CADA has SAVED LIVES. I hope you will consider supporting CADA!