Welcome to VAAP – The Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals
Supporting Virginia’s Addiction Professionals Advancing treatment, recovery, and advocacy through training, connection, and community.
Who We Are
The Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals (VAAP) is the statewide voice for counselors, peer recovery specialists, treatment providers, and organizations working across the continuum of care.
Since 1970, we’ve unified Virginia’s addiction professionals with a commitment to:
Empowering and mentoring our members
Providing training and opportunities for professional growth
Promoting excellence and ethical standards of care
Fighting stigma while advocating for the workforce — ensuring addiction professionals are valued, fairly compensated, and heard in every conversation about recovery
Two Ways to Join:
Individual Membership
Community Partner Membership
For counselors, peer recovery specialists, treatment providers, and others working directly in the field.
Affordable, high-quality CE opportunities
Networking and mentorship
Advocacy for your profession — fair pay, recognition, and a stronger voice
State and national representation through NAADAC
For treatment centers, recovery organizations, nonprofits, and businesses that support recovery in Virginia.
- Organization-wide recognition and visibility
- Partnership and sponsorship opportunities
- Listing in our Community Partner Directory
- Connection with professionals statewide
Mission, Vision and Values
Mission: Unify, empower, promote, mentor, train, and advocate for our members; develop and maximize opportunities for treatment and recovery professionals; and lead Virginia’s treatment and recovery professionals in their efforts to provide excellent care, fight stigma, and grow and develop professionally.
Vision: To be the professional standard bearer for treatment and recovery professionals in Virginia.
Values: Excellent and ethical treatment and recovery in Virginia — and throughout the world.
About Us
VAAP was founded in 1970, first as TAPISA (Tidewater Association of Professionals Interested in Substance Abuse), later as VAADAC (Virginia Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors), and in 2013 became VAAP (Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals).
As an affiliate of NAADAC: The Association for Addiction Professionals, VAAP is guided by its bylaws and professional code of ethics. We work to promote and advance the profession through education, mentorship, and standards of competence to ensure the highest quality of counseling and treatment services in Virginia.
Today, VAAP is part of a national network of more than 39 state affiliates and several international partners — all dedicated to strengthening the field and supporting recovery worldwide.
There's a Place for You at VAAP
Whether you’re an addiction professional, a peer recovery specialist, or an organization committed to recovery, VAAP provides the training, support, and advocacy you need.