Founders of the Australian Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (ACADD) David and Christa ‘stick their necks out for the common good’ on a daily basis.

The ACADD is an organisation established to serve two purposes. Firstly, to assist alcoholics and addicts in recovery, and their families, to overcome the difficulties faced in recovery. Secondly, to provide information and education to the community on the while in order to foster compassion, tolerance and understanding and ultimately to remove the stigma associated with this disease. This organisation is self supporting and has never received and any outside funding. In fact Christa and David utilise personal income to fund all this organisations activities.

When an alcoholic or addict first enters recovery they almost always experience extreme difficulties apart from staying abstinent and this is where the ACADD comes in. For example, some have had their children removed by DOCs, others are homeless, some have court issues that need to be dealt with, some need assistance with financial difficulties, many have medical issues, and many experience family break up and marriage breakdown while some experience all of these difficulties and more. Basically by far the majority are homeless, hopeless and alone!

The ACADD recognises and acknowledges the disease of Alcoholism and Addiction as a family disease and treats it as such. Therefore when dealing with alcoholics and addicts in recovery their families are included in the process as their participation is vital not only for the alcoholic / addict but for their own recovery as well. Christa and David are available literally 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If an alcoholic / addict or their family needs assistance Christa and David are there, even at 2 a.m. and distance and cost is not a factor either. Their house, time, money and ‘personal’ belongings are not their own. I have witnessed Christa and David on many occasions give their last dollar (literally) to someone in need. Their home is a safe haven for any person seeking recovery from alcoholism and addiction. Many alcoholics and addicts gather at their home on a daily basis; some come just for a cup of coffee and a chat, while others have more urgent needs. No one is ever turned away, even those who have exploited Christa and David’s generosity in the past. If there is a sincere desire to recover Christa and David make every effort to help. Above all, no fee for service is ever charged.