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Science and Management of Addictions 

Description

Science and Management of Addictions (SAMA) is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington, that supports young people and their families living with substance use disorders. We provide families with effective, research-based treatment and recovery management. SAMA also works to expand addiction resources for youth and families through innovative research partnerships, grassroots advocacy and education. We believe that all children should be able to reach their full potential.

Mission Statement
Our mission is to eliminate the disease of substance addiction in youth by advancing research, education and treatment.
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Science and Management of Addictions
18 W Mercer St Ste 370 
Seattle 
WA
98119 
(206) 328-1719 

Dr. Robert W. Day 
Founder 

Programs

Science and Management of Addictions Programs

Supporting Youth and Families
  • Free Family Navigator Program phone support, offering information and referrals to families confronting adolescent substance abuse.
  • Direct outpatient treatment services for young people and families.
  • Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) groups that teach caregivers to communicate better and engage substance abusers in treatment and recovery.
  • Recovery management phone support to help youth set goals and stay on track.
  • Early intervention groups that help concerned family members prevent their loved one’s substance use from progressing into abuse or addiction.
Advancing Research
  • Innovative research projects like Recovery Support for Ado­lescents and Families (RSAF) provide recovery services while testing their effectiveness.
  • Partnerships that bring proven treatment methods to our com­munity, like the 16-week ENCOMPASS program for youth with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders.
  • Coordination with national leaders in the science of addiction: the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, Univer­sity of Washington, Washington State University, UCLA, University of Colorado School of Medicine and many others.
Educating the Community
  • An Annual Recovery Summit that leads key members of the treatment and advocacy community in creating a strong, in­novative support framework for young people. Together we identify trends, find gaps and share best practices.
  • Knowledge is Power luncheon to share research findings, treat­ment progress and family stories while raising funds for vital programs.
  • Community panels, health fairs and small group meetings to engage everyone in addressing youth addiction and finding the best resources.
Advocating for Change
  • The Family Action Council (FAC) taps into the strength and knowledge of parents who have experienced the trauma of their child’s addiction to speak out for public policy that improves community health and safety.A voice for young people and families at national events, on government panels and to our local legislators.
  • Momentum for laws like the 911 Good Samaritan Law (which protects those seeking help for an overdose) and the Federal Safe & Secure Drug Disposal Act (which removes dangerous unused drugs from our homes).

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

In January, 2011 SAMA became a state-certified chemical dependency treatment agency.  This new milestone allows us to provide a broader continuum of care by offering long-term support for young people leaving acute treatment.  An estimated 40-60% of young people relapse after treatment.  Despite evidence demonstrating that long-term recovery management services are effective, there is a lack of this care in our communities.  SAMA is helping to help fill a gap in the continuum of care for young people with substance use disorders and the families that support them. 

One of SAMA's strengths is collaborating with providers across the state and country that are also committed to supporting youth and families struggling with substance use disorders.  However, we always need new partners in the community - from health care agencies to schools to businesses - to join us in supporting funding, research and dissemination of effective strategies for addressing youth substance use disorders.  Additionally, SAMA is committed to eliminating the financial barrier that many families experience when trying to access recovery support services.  SAMA will need ongoing financial partners to help us fund services for those families who cannot afford the entire cost of care.

Evaluation

 
The Science and Management of Addition Foundation (SAMA) is focused on eliminating substance abuse and addiction in youths.

Proven Success
In January, 2011 SAMA became a State-Certified chemical dependency treatment agency. SAMA’s certification allows the agency to implement their Navigation to Recovery Program which offers long-term support to young people leaving acute treatment as well as their families.

Use of Best Practices
The University of Washington Nursing Department’s Reconnecting Youth Prevention Program completed an evaluation of SAMA’s Family Navigator Program in January of 2011. The results show that the Family Navigator Program was highly successful in terms of interaction with the services but externally-referred resources were not as satisfied. Hence, SAMA understands the successes and challenges of the Family Navigator Program and started to adjust their approach to better serve the needs of the community. In response to the suggested improvements, SAMA began offering Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT).

Collaboration
As a result of meeting and building relationships these past five years, SAMA has a solid and growing network of collaborators in the fields of healthcare, research, education, and government. SAMA and Therapeutic Health Services (THS) share information, cross-refer clients, and strategize on ways to improve outcomes for youths. Additionally, SAMA’s Recovery Services for Adolescent and Families (RSAF) pilot project required strong linkages within our local treatment community and SAMA was able to rely on partnerships within the community to recruit 56 adolescent participants for the RSAF pilot project.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
9/17/2008 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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