TAADAS Clearinghouse is the state repository and dissemination center for alcohol and drug, problem gambling, and other addiction prevention and treatment literature and information. Free literature may be ordered via our website at www.taadas.org. The Clearinghouse also serves as the statewide referral source for any person who calls seeking assistance and/or resources on any of these topics. Besides information dissemination, the Clearinghouse serves the public with a lending library, which includes research text and data, statistics, videotapes, Internet access and vertical files. Through the years, professionals, businesses, family members, students, and countless others have become accustomed to the reliability of the Clearinghouse services. Numerous pieces of literature and videotapes have been distributed to churches, state and local agencies, jails, prisons, community centers, prevention programs, treatment centers, schools, and universities. Services can be accessed by phone, e-mail, fax, in person at the Clearinghouse office, exhibits, health fairs, Internet website, or other outreach activity. The Clearinghouse is one of the most unique in the United States. All issues of substance abuse and addictions are combined in our information service delivery. (i.e. violence, law enforcement, HIV/AIDS, etc.) Although our main thrust is substance abuse and problem gambling information, we offer a continuum of information and referrals on prevention, intervention, mental health, family issues, wellness and health for the total person.

How old is the Clearinghouse and how is it funded?
The Clearinghouse was founded in 1980 with initial funding from the TN. Dept. of Mental Health/Mental Retardation. The Clearinghouse continues to be funded through an agreement with the State of Tennessee and is housed at the TAADAS offices. TAADAS is a non-profit organization whose goal is to champion the cause of quality addiction services in Tennessee, and advocate unceasingly for those who still suffer from the ravages of addiction and for the addiction professionals who serve them.

In 1989, the Clearinghouse was designated as the state Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness Resource (RADAR) Network Center. The RADAR Network, sponsored by SAMHSA's NCADI, is the largest substance abuse prevention and treatment network of its kind. There are more than 700 active Centers worldwide with representation in every State and U.S. territory. This unique network provides an organized way for States to connect with one another and with national agencies such as the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), and the National Prevention Network (NPN). The RADAR Network works across the globe providing SAMSHA/CSAP with the “eyes and ears” from diverse segments of the substance abuse prevention field. Network members provide invaluable ideas and insight into both CSAP’s program planning and to the CSAP materials development process (through testing and other review processes in various stages of materials development). Overall, the RADAR Network contributes significantly to making prevention work in communities by reducing overlap between Federal and State efforts, increasing efficiency in information/knowledge exchange and transfer; and creating stronger links between Federal, State, and community-based prevention efforts.

What types of tools are available at the Clearinghouse?

Patrons have access to an overabundance of tools such as free literature, curricula, research monographs, abstracts, conference proceedings, clinical research, diagnostic tools, articles and journals, check out books and video tapes. These resources are all free to Tennessee residents. Check out the Clearinghouse on the web at www.taadas.org There you will find our video catalog, descriptions of free literature, on line order forms, downloadable documents for instant access to the information you need – when you need it, and much more!