Criminalization and incarceration of people with non-violent offenses that have co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorders has created an expensive and self-perpetuating cycle of intergenerational trauma without society providing an adequate approach. We should be working on a “whole person” solution that would enable these individuals to heal holistically from the causes and conditions behind their crimes. When you address the root causes and build a livable foundation in recovery over time you can create a lasting solution to reduce recidivism, relapse into active addiction, forced mental health institutionalization, and chronic homelessness.
To read more about this topic, click here to view the full article originally posted on Thrive Global.
David got clean and sober in 1988 at the age of 19, close to death from his own struggles with drug addiction and alcoholism. Now 32+ years clean and sober, he has been consistently active in his recovery community by mentoring others, serves on recovery and youth related non-profit Boards such as LifeWorks and the West Hollywood Recovery Center, and serves on panels at institutions speaking from his own experience about recovery.
Joelene Knight, is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Grace Recovery, a sub-acute and residential treatment program located in Hollywood, California, as well as a Board Member at Awakening Recovery, a unique life-saving nonprofit that specializes in recovery homes with a long-term, 12-Step addiction solution that creates a lasting change in core beliefs and behaviors.