Advocacy

One in ten Americans – about 30.8 million people – have an addiction disorder. Many of those people die young because most – around 90% – do not seek treatment or recovery support services. And people who do seek help often do so in the advanced stages of the illness. 

Why? Negative attitudes about individuals with an addiction disorder, which can lead to discrimination. These negative attitudes, or stigma, also have a  major impact on a person’s chance for successful recovery. Evidence shows that when recovery from addiction is maintained for five years, 85% will stay in recovery for life. Stigma, however, remains a major reason that folks do not  access resources and supports. 

LCRA is committed to increasing positive attitudes and reducing the discrimination around addiction disorders and create projects which:

  • Address addiction as a health issue 
  • Promote a Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC) 
  • Use and highlight person-first language
  • Honor multiple pathways to recovery 
  • Provide science-based education on substance use and gambling disorders
  • Allow individuals with lived experience to share their recovery process

We invite anyone who shares our goals to join us! LCRA is a grassroots, all-volunteer organization, and is strengthened by each member’s skills and values.

What Recovery Means to Me…

In partnership with Lancaster Joining Forces, LNP, and Balance Magazine, watch local individuals share what recovery from substance use disorder means to them.

Resources

Below are some of our favorite tools for advocating for recovery for everyone!

Thriving Communities in Recovery

Thriving Communities in Recovery

Policy Report on National Trends, Best Practices, and Evaluation of How Pennsylvania Can Improve Its Recovery Environment

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Recovery Voices Count

Recovery Voices Count

A Guide to Non-partisan Civic Engagement (2018)

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Anti-stigma Toolkit

Anti-Stigma Toolkit

A Guide to Reducing Addiction-Related Stigma (2012)

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Advocacy with Anonymity

Advocacy with Anonymity

How can we stand up for our rights while honoring the anonymity tradition of our Twelve-step groups?

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