From Ripped, to Ripped Off –
March 14, 2018 – “We call it addiction tourism,” says Greg Williams, executive vice president of Facing Addiction with NCADD (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence), organizations devoted to helping the 45 million people and their loved ones affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Google’s AdWords system puts those with smaller budgets, such as nonprofits and government entities, at a disadvantage, Williams says. His groups and others have been working to stem the abuse, including discussions with Google officials. Google had already suspended all ads for addiction treatment centers in the U.S. It’s now extended that suspension globally while acknowledging there were more “bad actors taking advantage of those in need,” according to a statement from Google. The statement says the company is continuing to work on the issue and plans to “consult with experts to find a better way to connect people with the treatment they need.”
