We are dedicated to creating a positive future for our children by providing prevention resources to promote communities that are free of addiction and other destructive behaviors.
Celebrating 53 Years of Prevention Services to Bexar and 28 Surrounding Counties
The San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse was organized by a small group of prominent citizens in 1957 to educate the community about the disease of alcoholism and to assist alcoholics and their families in finding appropriate resources.
Fifty-three years later, the Council has expanded its services and is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well being for all our citizens through the prevention of substance abuse and mental health.
We are a source of education, information and support for those needing help, but also a resource for those who want to get involved in combating substance abuse in our community.
The Council has expanded its prevention and intervention strategies to strengthen families and is still actively educating communities about one of its major health problems-use, abuse and addiction to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
The San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse continues to be an innovative leader in preventing and solving problems associated with substance abuse. Each year we serve nearly 63,000 people in Bexar and 28 counties in South Central Texas. We are here to help and support you!
Whether you are an individual, family member, business owner, community leader or professional, the Council can help you with an array of services and resources including:
- Information and Referrals for hundreds of families and individuals in need of finding community resources for substance abuse and mental health services. Contact Beatrice Guiterrez (bguitierrez@sacada.org) for information.
- Circles of San Antonio Community Coalition membership with over 100 leaders from all sectors of the community. This is your opportunity to create public awareness on substance abuse issues and mobilize our community to combat underage drinking, binge drinking among college students, and drunk-driving injuries and fatalities. Contact Vickie Adams (vadams@sacada.org) to learn more about monthly meetings and how you can join and help.
- Project Heart and Project Toward No Drug Use: Evidence-based Youth Prevention Skills Training Groups and Programs for over 2,000 youth ages 8 through 18 in schools, after school programs and community centers. If you are a school or community center provider, Contact Rose Torrez (rtorrez@sacada.org) or Mary Perez (mperez@sacada.org) to have this program set up for your youth.
- Public Education and Presentations on alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and abuse and related mental health issues for 5,000 youth and adults each year. We go to schools, parent groups, churches, civic organizations and other community organizations. Contact Beatrice Gutierrez (bguiterrez@sacada.org) or Gyna Gonzales (agarza@sacada.org) and get a professional prevention specialist to speak to your group.
- Employer-Employee and Workforce Training Services for hundreds of employees, businesses and other organizations to help you develop drug-free workplaces. Contact Abby Garza (agarza@sacada.org) to have an EAP counselor come to your business and set up training for managers and employees.
- A Prevention Performing Arts Program (HYPE) for teens to develop leadership in prevention and utilize their performing arts skills. The group does entertainment for thousands of people in our community each year. Contact J Anthony Garcia (jgarcia@sacada.org) to set up a performance for your group or school or find out about how to become a HYPE performer.
- Prevention Resource Center Ð Region 8 offers a clearinghouse of free materials, brochures and support for a 28-county region. Visit our resource library of DVDÕs, books and other materials for check out or schedule a presentation for your community. Contact Gyna Gonzales ggonzales@sacada.org
- First Friday: Offers continuing education hours and training for professionals to learn about new trends and resources available to combat substance abuse in our community. Contact Beatrice Gutierrez bguiterrez@sacada.org or Fill out registration form.
- Prevention Training: The council offers coordination and hosting of regional and other training for prevention professionals from throughout the state and south central Texas. Contact Gyna Gonzalez (ggonzalez@sacada.org)
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Education Program (ADAEP) is a 12 week course offered to individuals, families, employees or others affected by substance abuse and needing more individualized education and help. We also accept referrals from Child Protective Services, Probation, the Courts and Businesses for individuals who are mandated to receive drug education. Contact Abby Garcia (agarcia@sacada.org)
- Minor in Possession (MIP) Education and Training is offered for count-mandated youth who need alcohol and tobacco education and training. Contact Beatrice Gutierrez (bguiterrez@sacada.org)
All services are available in English and Spanish.
Most services are free to the community.Funding for programs is provided by the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, the Department of State Health Services, community foundations, businesses and individual contributions. To donate or volunteer, contact Pam Armstrong (parmstrong@sacada.org)












