What is QAAD?

Quaker Action on Alcohol and Drugs (QAAD) is a Recognised Body of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and a registered charity. We work in accordance with Quaker principles to address the widespread use and misuse of alcohol, prescribed and illegal drugs, and gambling.

What does QAAD do?

QAAD aims to meet the needs for support and information within the Religious Society of Friends in relation to alcohol, other drugs, and gambling. We do this by producing briefings and information, for example our paper on the issues related to decriminalisation of drugs (see ‘Our work – Drugs’), and by offering advice to individual Friends when requested.

We also seek to facilitate links between Friends who share our concerns, including those who are personally affected by substance issues or supporting family members and friends, by attending and organising gatherings.

QAAD supports young Friends by offering workshops, attending gatherings, and producing resources.

QAAD also works in the public arena, where we continue the tradition of expressing a Quaker perspective on policies and practices that would reduce substance and gambling problems. We do this through regularly respond to government consultations and working closely with ecumenical colleagues who share our concerns.

Gatherings

QAADNET MEETINGS

QAADNET is an informal network of Friends who have an interest in, or a concern about substances and gambling, whether this is through personal, professional, or voluntary experience. We meet as Quakers for learning, mutual support and exchange.  Our last meeting was held online in August 2021 during Britain Yearly Gathering on a theme of ‘Faith and Addiction’. 

Our next meeting will be held on Saturday 4th December, again online. For further details, please visit the Events page on this site or the Winter issue of QAADRANT.

QAAD Conference

QAAD holds a biennial gathering at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre in Birmingham, to which all Friends are welcome. Sadly, the 2020 gathering was cancelled due to COVID-19.  We will provide details of all future events, including online meetings and webinars, on the Events page of this site and via our QAADRANT newsletter.