Our History and Mission

The Kansas Association of Addiction Professionals (KAAP) has a deep-rooted history that reflects the evolution of the addiction treatment field.

Although the American Medical Association recognized alcoholism and drug addiction as a disease in 1955, early treatment efforts were largely led by individuals in recovery—people with lived experience who wanted to help others. Over time, the field has become more professionalized. Today, experts in social work, criminal justice, mental and physical health, and other disciplines are earning specialized training and licensure to better serve individuals with substance use disorders.

KAAP has grown alongside this transformation.

In the early 1970s, Kansas counselors specializing in alcoholism treatment united to form an association. Around the same time, counselors focused on drug addiction formed their own organization. In the 1980s, these two groups merged—the Kansas Alcoholism Counselors Association (KACA) and the Kansas Association of Drug Abuse Counselors (KADAC)—to create the Kansas Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors Association (KADACA).

In March 2000, KADACA was reorganized as the Kansas Association of Addiction Professionals (KAAP).

KAAP continued to play a vital role in shaping the profession. In 2011, we were instrumental in the passage of the Addiction Counselor Licensure Act, which transitioned the field from certification to licensure in Kansas. With that change, KAAP's state contract for certification services ended—and our organization took on a new role.

KAAP redefined itself as a provider advocacy group, committed to advancing policy, legislation, and support for professionals in the field of addiction prevention and treatment.

Today, we continue to serve as a powerful voice for addiction professionals across Kansas, guided by our mission:

"Serving members with advocacy and support to achieve excellence in addiction prevention and treatment."