Our History

Our History

AADAP (Asian American Drug Abuse Program) was founded in 1972 to address a growing substance use crisis in Los Angeles’ Asian American community. Its roots trace back to Japanese American Community Services (JACS) and its groundbreaking program, Asian Joint Communications (AJC), which mobilized young activists and community leaders to combat the rise of heroin and barbiturate addiction among Asian American youth. With their advocacy and a federal grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, AADAP became the first publicly funded drug treatment and prevention program serving the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

Over the past five decades, AADAP has evolved into an inclusive, community-based organization that empowers all individuals, families and communities impacted by substance use disorders through transformative and comprehensive programs that promote recovery, opportunity, justice and wellness. What began as a small, volunteer-driven effort has grown into a trusted network of culturally competent, multilingual and holistic services that reach across South Los Angeles and beyond.

Today, AADAP continues to impact thousands of lives annually and builds on its heritage rooted in Los Angeles. Guided by its Ohana (family) spirit and enduring philosophy, People Need People, the organization looks to the future with heart, purpose and innovation. It remains committed to advancing whole-person wellness, fostering belonging, and transforming lives, families and communities for decades to come.