Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals

Welcome to the Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals! Together, we are "Bringing all the Pieces Together" to help enhance the quality of life for those directly or indirectly affected by alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse.
MAAP was launched by a handful of individuals who shared a vision to promote and participate in the development and recognition of professional standards and resources for alcohol and drug abuse counselors. The passion and dedication of those pioneers have helped to cultivate a new generation of over 300 gifted and committed professionals that make up this vital organization.
Incorporated in 1983 under the name “Mississippi Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors,” the pioneers and their increasing number of advocates saw an emerging movement within the alcohol and drug abuse counseling profession that included the areas of prevention and criminal justice. Recognizing the need to broaden their original vision and to promote the development of a united voice for individuals working as prevention, criminal justice and alcohol, tobacco & other drug abuse professionals, the Board of Directors by majority vote changed the name of the organization in 2002 to “Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals.”
MAAP’s mission is three-fold: “To provide education, training and certification to professionals in the field of chemical dependency.” In order to effectively carry out its mission, MAAP depends on the generosity of its volunteer members to serve on the Board of Directors of the association, Certification Board and standing committees such as Nominations Committee, Membership Committee, Program Committee, Education Committee, and Ethics Committee.
As a certifying body, MAAP through its Certification Board offers separate and discreet credentials for professionals engaged in the prevention and treatment of addictions and related problems. MAAP is a member of The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which sets the international standards of practice in addiction counseling, prevention and clinical supervision through testing and credentialing of addiction professionals. IC&RC also promotes the establishment and recognition of minimum standards to provide reciprocity for certified professionals. Through adoption of a Professional Code of Ethics, the Certification Board strives to insure the highest quality of prevention and addiction treatment services.
As a membership organization, MAAP under the guidance of its Board of Directors, acts as an advocate before federal, state, and regional agencies in matters relating to prevention and treatment of addictions that affects its membership.
As an advocate for training and educating professionals in the prevention and treatment of addictions professions, MAAP promotes and participates in development and recognition of resources designed to stay abreast of the ongoing needs of those with addiction related problems. As part of this endeavor, MAAP is pleased to offer a year-long program, the Mississippi Addiction Counselor Training (MACT) program, which exists to help behavioral health professionals improve their skills to better serve persons addicted to harmful chemicals. Additional workshops are held throughout the year.