40 YEARS OF ADVOCACY
TURN UP THE VOLUME
OCAAR mobilizes Ohio’s recovery community to break down barriers to recovery and advocate for recovery services in all of Ohio’s counties. OCAAR educates the public to reduce stigma, shares best practices with peer supporters, builds and fosters communities of recovery, and advocates to decision makers on the policies that impact our community.
OCAAR has been the voice for recovery since 1984, raising public awareness and working to mobilize Ohio’s recovery community. Here's what we're fighting for:
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Every citizen in the state of Ohio has access to recovery support services throughout the lifespan of the disease.
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Barriers to recovery resulting from the stigma and discrimination associated with substance use disorders are eliminated.
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Policy decisions are based on the medical model of SUD and are informed by individuals and their friends and families who have been impacted by substance use disorders.
Turn up the volume with us.
WHAT WE DO
Raise Public Awareness: Advocate for recovery as a process and a right, combating stigma and misinformation.
Empower Voices: Empower individuals in recovery to share their stories and build solidarity.
Policy Efforts: Educate decision makers at the local, state, and federal levels on policies that protect and promote the rights of people in recovery.
Support Networks: Build communities of support for recovery community organizations and collegiate recovery communities.
Access to Non-Clinical Supports: Support and promote access to recovery support services, housing, education, and employment programs for people in recovery from substance use disorders.
Cultural Congruence: Address the unique needs of diverse populations within recovery communities, including racial, ethnic, gender, and LGBTQ+ groups.
Advocacy Training: Empower Ohio’s recovery community with the tools and skills to become self-advocates.
Ripples of hope
can become a wave of change.
OUR POLICY PRIORITIES
We've been fighting for recovery rights for 40 years. Some of the current trends are encouraging, and we're proud to have played our part in those wins. OCAAR’s advocacy is informed by Ohio’s recovery community through town hall listening sessions, advocacy caucuses, and OCAAR’s annual Recovering People’s Convention. Interested in joining our work? Visit the Get Involved page!
RECOVERY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Research shows that an individual’s involvement in recovery support services through their 5th year of recovery results in an 85% reduction of risk of relapse. Recovery support services like Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) provide assistance to communities across the state. In fact, RCOs are a proven, evidence-based strategy in combating the addiction epidemic. By investing in recovery supports, we keep people healthy. OCAAR fights for the availability and sustainability of recovery support services across all of Ohio’s counties.
PEER SUPPORT
Peer supporters are people who have been successful in the recovery process and who help others experiencing similar situations. Ohio has three types of peer supporter certification: Adult, Family, and Youth/Young Adult. Peer support is a critical component in the continuum of care. OCAAR fights for the rights of Ohio’s peer support workforce, advocating for career ladders, fair pay, benefits, and healthy environments for our peer support workforce to thrive.
HOUSING
Everyone in recovery deserves access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. A secure place to live is a foundation for long-term recovery, yet many individuals face housing discrimination, limited availability, and high costs that put recovery at risk. We advocate for policies that increase access to affordable housing options tailored to the needs of people in recovery, including supportive housing models and protections against housing-related stigma.
DECRIMINALIZING SUD
Substance use disorder is a health condition, not a crime. Criminalizing people for their substance use perpetuates stigma, disrupts recovery, and overcrowds our justice system with individuals who need care, not punishment. We support policies that shift the response to substance use from the criminal legal system to the public health system, including diversion programs, record sealing, and eliminating punitive charges for personal use and possession.
