The Recovery Advocate

09/01/2025

“People who use alcohol have consumer rights. They are not subject to institutionalized stigma and discrimination, and can openly seek evidence-based health education and support if they need it.”

Another International Overdose Awareness Day arrives on August 31. It’s a time for us to reflect once more on a ...

08/28/2025

Trump’s budget law effectively undoes much of the good that the Affordable Care Act did in reducing opioid deaths.

08/15/2025

“Though definitions vary, many experts now agree: If substance use no longer interferes with your ability to live a productive and loving life, then recovery has been achieved, with or without abstinence.”

There’s no single way to achieve addiction recovery.

08/08/2025

“The federal agency that oversaw methadone clinics also had objections, and the clinics didn’t want buprenorphine to cut into their business. “

How political red tape and a drug company’s thirst for profits limited the reach of a drug that experts believe could have reduced the opioid epidemic’s toll.

07/21/2025

Santa Monica's new diversion program, SaMo Bridge, has successfully connected 37 people to housing and supportive services in its first

06/26/2025

“For more than 40 years, the United States—a nation that putatively cherishes freedom—has had one of the largest prison systems in the world.”

Long sentences and recidivism kept prison populations high for decades, but prisons are now starting to empty.

06/21/2025

Are you struggling to find a job because of your conviction record? Looking to visit, reunite with, or keep custody of your children? Need protection against workplace discrimination, harassment, and wage theft?

We're here to help! Join us next Wednesday for our Virtual Reentry Legal Clinic! We will be assisting with family reunification, expungements, and occupational licensing.

If you would like to attend, call (323)-563-3575, ext 6.

06/16/2025

California passed the nation’s first prosecutor-initiated resentencing law in 2018. Few women benefited from these laws, until now.

06/16/2025

06/15/2025

The state’s governor signed legislation to allow clinical trials of a psychedelic drug that shows promise for veterans in treating addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.

05/26/2025

Since 2012 Brazil has implemented a program known as Remission for Reading which allows prisoners to reduce their sentences by reading books and writing reports For each approved book report inmates can have four days deducted from their sentence with a maximum of 12 books per year totaling up to 48 days annually The program aims to promote literacy critical thinking and personal development among inmates facilitating their rehabilitation and reintegration into society Participants select books from the prison library which includes materials in Braille audiobooks and foreign languages to accommodate diverse needs After reading inmates have 10 days to write a review demonstrating their understanding of the text These reviews are evaluated by a commission comprising educators librarians and civil society representatives This initiative has been recognized for its positive impact on inmates lives offering them a constructive way to reduce their sentences while fostering personal growth and reducing recidivism

05/09/2025