NADCP Conference to Host World's Largest Gathering on Addiction, Mental Health & the Justice System

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) will convene the world's largest conference on addiction, mental health and the criminal justice system when they host the 19th Annual Training Conference July 14-17, 2013 in Washington, DC. Drug Courts are the most successful strategy for reducing drug addiction, crime and recidivism while saving money for taxpayers. This year's events will focus on Drug Courts as a budget solution that cuts crime, reduces recidivism and saves taxpayer money.

The four-day conference will take place from Sunday, July 14 - Wednesday, July 17, 2013 and will host over 4,000 state and federal justice leaders, celebrities, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, clinicians, police and probation officers, military veterans, business owners, Drug Court graduates and their family members. All events are open to the media.

On Monday, July 15th, the event officially kicks-off at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center, in National Harbor, MD, at 8 a.m. The Opening Ceremony will feature remarks by Department of Justice Deputy Attorney General James Cole, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske, Bureau of Justice Assistance Director Denise O'Donnell and actors Matthew Perry and Kristen Johnston.

The Obama Administration's recently released 2013 National Drug Control Strategy outlines a new approach to drug policy that treats drug use as both a public health and public safety concern. The strategy promotes evidence-based solutions like Drug Courts, which keep seriously addicted, non-violent offenders in treatment instead of sentencing them traditionally. ONDCP Director Gil Kerlikowske will speak about the Administration's support for Drug Courts as cornerstone of criminal justice reform.

Actor Matthew Perry and actress/author Kristen Johnston will provide remarks about their own journeys to find recovery and their support for Drug Courts. They will speak following a 'Parade of Transformation' in which Drug Court graduates and their families tell their emotional stories from addiction to recovery.

On Tuesday, July 16th, at 8:00 a.m., comedian Alonzo Bodden will host a Capitol Hill Kick-off event at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center, in National Harbor, MD, at 8 a.m. Speakers will include Actor Matthew Perry, Drug Court graduates, and several Members of Congress who will express their support for Drug Courts. Following the event, attendees will board buses and head to Capitol Hill for meetings with their Members of Congress.

Actor Matthew Perry and musician Daniel Powter will visit Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress about supporting funding for Drug Courts. They will be available for interview upon request.

On Wednesday, July 17th at 11 a.m., attendees will convene for a Closing Ceremony featuring National Traffic Safety Board Member Dr. Mark Rosekind discussing the vital role of DWI Courts in reducing drunk driving, and Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) co-founder Kevin Sabet discussing NADCP's recently released position statement against marijuana. The event will conclude with a performance by comedian Tommy Davidson and musician Daniel Powter. Mr. Powter will tell the story of his recovery through words and song, including his 2006 chart topping hit, 'Bad Day.'

"Drug Courts are this nation's most successful, cost-effective strategy for reducing substance abuse and recidivism, which is why we are seeing overwhelming support from a diverse group of political leaders as well as the public. Approximately 75% of all graduates from Drug Court remain arrest free and Drug Courts save up to $27 for every $1 invested. This conference is a testament to the incredible success Drug Courts have achieved over the last two decades, and the vital role they play in the future of this nation's drug policy" said West Huddleston, CEO of The National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

About National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP)

Drug Courts combine rigorous drug treatment and accountability to compel and support drug-using offenders to change their lives. After 22 years of innovation, there are now over 2,700 Drug Courts located in all 50 states. Since 1994 the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP), a non-profit organization 501 (c) (3) representing over 32,000 multi-disciplinary justice professionals and community leaders, has worked tirelessly at the national, state and local level to create and enhance Drug Courts. NADCP is now recognized as the experts in the field of addiction and the criminal justice system. For more information, visit www.AllRise.org.