Public Acknowledgement of Systemic Racism

Public Acknowledgment by Against the Odds Recovery and Reentry of the existence of systemic racism and its impact on Substance Use Disorder and Recovery

At Against the Odds Recovery and Reentry, we recognize the profound and systemic impact that racism has on individuals, families, and communities—particularly in the realm of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and recovery. Systemic racism perpetuates disparities that negatively affect underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), exacerbating the challenges they face when seeking treatment, support, and long-term recovery.

The legacy of racism in the criminal justice system, healthcare, and social services has created significant barriers for individuals from marginalized communities. These barriers include discriminatory practices in treatment access, lack of culturally competent care, and the stigmatization of SUD in communities that are disproportionately impacted by mass incarceration and racial profiling. Moreover, the trauma caused by centuries of systemic racism often complicates recovery, making it even harder for those already disadvantaged to find and sustain recovery support.

Against the Odds Recovery and Reentry stands in solidarity with these communities. We acknowledge the historical and ongoing inequities and their intersection with SUD, and we are committed to doing our part in advocating for transformative change. Our advocacy efforts are centered on addressing these systemic issues and ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups, receive the resources, support, and opportunities they deserve for recovery.

Our organization has led and participated in various advocacy efforts aimed at dismantling the barriers caused by systemic racism. We have worked alongside community partners, policymakers, and organizations to advocate for:

1. Culturally Competent Care: We have advocated for the integration of culturally responsive and trauma-informed care practices in addiction treatment and recovery programs. We believe that recovery should be accessible and effective for all individuals, with services that recognize the unique cultural and lived experiences of marginalized communities.
2. Criminal Justice Reform: Our advocacy extends to reforming policies that disproportionately criminalize individuals with SUD, particularly within communities of color. We support efforts to shift from punitive measures to rehabilitative approaches that focus on treatment and recovery, rather than incarceration.
3. Community Empowerment and Education: We have facilitated educational workshops and awareness campaigns to shed light on the impact of systemic racism on recovery, aiming to empower individuals and communities to take action, challenge harmful policies, and access the support they need.
4. Equitable Access to Resources: Our efforts include pushing for greater funding and resources for treatment centers that serve underrepresented communities, ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality care, housing, job training, and other vital resources to support recovery.

At Against the Odds Recovery and Reentry, we are committed to being part of the solution. We will continue to fight for racial equity in recovery and reentry and work tirelessly to eliminate the systemic barriers that hinder the progress of marginalized individuals. It is our belief that true recovery is only possible when all individuals—regardless of race, ethnicity, or background—are given the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive in a society that recognizes their dignity and
humanity.

We call on others to join us in this work, and together, we will create a future where recovery is truly available to everyone.