At the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA), we work with children and teens who are navigating these experiences every day. One of the most powerful moments in our groups is when a child realizes they are not the only one. That moment of connection can begin to lift years of isolation.
Research shows that protective factors—like safe adults, honest conversations, and supportive peer connections—can significantly improve the trajectory of a child’s life.
During Alcohol Awareness Month, and all year long, it is important to remember the children who are quietly carrying the impact of the disease of addiction at home. And include them in important conversations about alcohol and the disease of addiction.
When we see them, listen to them, and support them, we can help change their future. To learn more, NACoA has posted blogs during the month to help emphasize important ways to involve children in the discussion and to provide this support.
50 Years of Understanding
Growing Up With Addiction
May 8, 9:30 am – 5:30 am ET
This virtual event – Hosted by Dr. Tian Dayton and Samantha Quinlan – brings together influential voices from the past five decades, individuals whose work has shaped the evolution of addiction and recovery. It marks the 50th anniversary of Operation Understanding (May 8th, 1976), the national public education movement inspired by Marty Mann’s work to raise awareness of alcoholism and addiction. Fifty years on, its legacy continues to shape how we understand, discuss, and respond to substance use expanding into deeper recognition of its impact on individuals, families, and the lasting effects of trauma, including ACOA and adverse childhood experiences
Guest Speakers include: Aimie Apigian, Paddy Creedon, Tian Dayton, John Driscoll, Denise Bertin-Epp, Jeremiah Gardner, Sheila Gilheany, Patricia O’Gorman, Ryan Hampton, Kevin McCauley, Jerry Moe, Jimmy Mooney, Dawn Nickel, Marion Rackard, Greg Williams Gary Seidler, Nikki Soda, and Jaime Vinck.
Celebrating Families! Group Leader Training
This is a unique opportunity for organizations to strengthen their teams by enrolling individual facilitators — no need to contract an entire training. Participants will join a national cohort in an engaging, online training experience.
Training Objectives:
• Explore the unique, evidence-based approach of Celebrating Families!
Learn how this family-centered program addresses the needs of children and caregivers impacted by substance use disorders.
• Build confidence in using the Celebrating Families! curriculum.
Gain hands-on experience with session materials and facilitation strategies.
• Learn how to lead multi-generational educational support groups.
Develop skills for engaging participants across age groups, from children to adults.
• Experience key program activities from the participant perspective.
Deepen your understanding of the program’s impact through interactive exercises.
CEUs through NAADAC will be awarded upon completion.
May 5 -7th, 10 am – 6 pm ET, 10 am – 6 pm ET, 10 am – 2 pm ET, includes morning/afternoon breaks as needed.
Contact nacoa@nacoa.org with any questions.
Spring National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), was held on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The event, which takes place twice a year (typically in April and October), provides a free, anonymous opportunity to dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medications safely. These days serve as helpful reminders to review medication and make wise choices for responsible disposal. While special DEA Take-Back Days exist, thousands of locations are available for daily use to safely dispose of unused medications. Many authorized medication disposal sites, including retail pharmacies (like CVS and Walgreens), hospitals, and law enforcement agencies, offer year-round, 24/7, or during-business-hours take-back kiosks. To learn more about proper medication storage and disposal, check out NACoA’s Parent’s Guide: Safe Medication Storage.
CDC Health Advisory – Increasing Reports of Medetomidine
An April CDC health advisory warns of increasing reports of medetomidine (“rhino tranq,” “mede,” “dex”) in illegal fentanyl. Detections rose from 247 in 2023 to 8,233 in 2025, primarily in the Northeast and Midwest. Medetomidine is a sedative not approved for human use and can cause severe health risks and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. The CDC has issued recommendations for public health professionals, clinicians, laboratorians, and people at risk for overdose, as well as additional information to learn more.
Honoring Al-Anon and 75 Years of Family Recovery
In 1951, co-founders Lois W. and Anne B. – wives of AA co-founders Bill W & Dr. Bob – invited a small group of family members affected by someone else’s drinking to come together in living rooms and kitchens to share their experiences and find strength together. Al-Anon’s earliest archival records, which include handwritten notes, simple meeting formats, and heartfelt letters, show how these first members built a foundation of hope, connection, and mutual support. Al-Anon archives are maintained to preserve this rich history, and are available to the public.
From those humble beginnings grew Al-Anon and, a few years later, Alateen, programs that have offered understanding and recovery to millions worldwide. As we celebrate 75 years, NACoA shares its gratitude to a few courageous voices creating a fellowship that continues to bring hope across generations. Through meetings, literature, and fellowship, it has been a lifeline of connection and hope for many impacted by someone else’s drinking.
To learn more about Al-Anon, read NACoA’s blog Finding Strength in Al-Anon: How Joining a Support Group Can Change Your Life.
