About Addaction

Since 1967, Addaction has offered help and hope to many, many thousands of people.

“Now I’m happy, content, clean and living in a home of my own.  I’ve been educated, fed, I’m going to college and feel a sense of worth that is priceless.  Thank you to everyone involved”  - a former Addaction client

Addaction is the UK’s leading drug and alcohol treatment charity, dedicated to tackling the issues of drug and alcohol misuse.  It currently runs 73 projects in local communities offering free and effective help, support and advice to people with substance misuse problems, as well as their families and friends.

Its innovative services include:

• Drop-in centres & counselling services
• A residential programme for women
• Specialist services for young people
• Prison treatment programmes
• Day programmes for drug-using offenders
• Parent guides to drugs

Our history

Mollie Craven founded Addaction as a community-based charity in 1967.  Mollie’s son was addicted to heroin – an addiction that would eventually kill him.  In a desperate search for support, she started APA  – Association of Parents of Addicts – which later became Addaction. 

What began as membership movement staffed largely by volunteers, has now become a pioneering organisation that influences government policy.  Many of its projects are regarded as models of good practice, and much of its innovative work brings communities together in addition to helping those individuals and families affected by drug and alcohol misuse.