Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said he is humbled that the Council on Chemical Abuse awarded him the 2011 President's Award for implementing and supporting drug-and-alcohol addiction-treatment programs.

"This award should go to my entire staff in recognition of their commitment to making people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol change their ways," said Adams, who received the award recently at the council's annual conference at the Crowne Plaza Reading, Wyomissing. "We need to focus on programs to prevent recidivism."

Adams thanked the council for selecting him for the award.

The council, based at 601 Penn St., provides programs and support for those with addiction problems.

"We recognize there is a correlation between abuse of drugs and alcohol and criminal behavior," Adams said. "We have programs that help save the taxpayers' money because we do not have to incarcerate people with addiction problems."

He said his background as a probation officer and defense attorney provided him with an understanding of the correlation between addiction and criminal behavior.

Adams said Berks is in the forefront of implementing alternative sentencing programs.

George J. Vogel Jr., executive director of the council, said the President's Award is the most distinguished honor presented at the conference, bestowed in recognition of an individual's ongoing commitment as a dedicated leader and professional in a field impacted by addiction.

Vogel said Adam's commitment to those addicted to drugs and alcohol has resulted in the implementation of treatment court and other alternative sentencing programs.

"Adams encourages awareness of addiction from prevention through treatment, and the council is pleased to recognize him as the 2011 President's Award honoree," Vogel said.

Contact Holly Herman: 610-478-6291 or hherman@readingeagle.com.