About Us

About Us

Addictive disorders have an immeasurable impact on our society. The field of addiction prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery currently is addressing an opioid epidemic.

The most recent U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2017) indicated that approximately 19.7 million people had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year. In 2017, an estimated 20.7 million people aged 12 or older, or about 1 in 13 people, needed substance use treatment. The United Stated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that 2017 overdose rates are approximately six times 1999 rates. According to the National Safety Council, for the first time on record, the odds of dying from an accidental opioid overdose have surpassed those of dying in a moter vehicle crash.

The 2016 Surgeon General’s groundbreaking “Facing Addiction” report noted the need for expansion of access to effective, evidence-based treatment for those with substance use disorders, broader prevention programs and policies to reduce substance misuse and the related health and social problems faced by individuals and communities.

Developing skills for our behavioral health workforce, as well as for primary healthcare partners and allied social services, is a priority for the nation, and close to home for all of us in New England.

AdCare Educational Institute of New England, formerly the New England Institute of Addiction Studies, is a regional workforce developmental leader. For 50 years, individuals have developed their prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support   skills at our programs.

The signature programming of the Institute, annual intensive continuing education events, supports workforce development through competency development for professionals and volunteers. Our efforts provide the education necessary to earn counseling credentials and certification in prevention or recovery support. Our education reach also extends to include our justice partners, education partners, faith-based communities, healthcare professionals, mental health clinicians, and other social service partners.

Building on a rich history of service to the addiction community, our signature Summer School has been in existence for 50 years. The Institute is the primary organization through which the State Alcohol and Drug Agencies develop and deliver regional educational events. maintains administrative offices in Augusta, Maine.

In 2017, the New England Institute of Addiction Studies was pleased to merge with our longtime organizational partner, AdCare Educational Institute. We look forward to continuing to bring your our quality Summer Schools and other New England regional workforce development programs.