PODCAST: 2012 Father Joseph C. Martin Professional Excellence Award is presented at NCAD

This morning at the National Conference of Addiction Disorders (NCAD), the 2012 Father Joseph C. Martin Professional Excellence Award was presented to James Cusack, CASAC.

According to his introduction, five years into sobriety, he made a vow to himself that if he could do anything with his life it would be to make the transition from active alcoholism to sobriety even less painful for others. 

He started his career in treatment in 1965 at Glen Acre Lodge in Glen Springs, New York. Cusack studied addiction at Hazelden and Rutgers.  In 1973, he started Villa Veritas Foundation.  Established relationships with many unions and companies in the NYC area and provided treatment for members and their families.  It was the first treatment facility in the state of New York to treat drug addicts and alcoholics together. 

In New York, he was involved in establishing the first counseling credentialing process and helping to develop drug and alcohol treatment standards.  Pioneer of the concept “sober houses,” and started two houses on his own in the New York area.

He has served in local and national organizations related to drug and alcohol addiction.  This year, Cusack is celebrating 60 years of sobriety and over 50 years devoted to helping those in recovery.

Listen to this podcast to hear what James Cusack had to say as he accepted this award.