Join SMART Recovery's Efforts to Pass New Legislation

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Subject: Join SMART Recovery's Efforts to Pass New Legislation

Hello Friend,

We're writing to share an exciting development—we got legislation introduced in New York that would expand access to recovery options for New Yorkers in the criminal justice system. This legislation (A.08163/S.07313), "Nonreligious Recovery Options" was introduced by New York Assembly Member Harvey Epstein and Senator Peter Harckham, who is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse). If passed, this bill would:

Ensure that anyone mandated by a court in New York to attend recovery meetings or treatment programs are made aware of their constitutional right to nonreligious options
Mandate that New York courts provide access to nonreligious alternatives to faith based treatment and recovery programs
Expand recovery options which expressly support Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for those in the criminal justice system

If you know anyone who is a resident of New York, please forward this email and encourage them to sign up here to join SMART Recovery's efforts to pass this bill!

Today, individuals with criminal justice involvement account for 47% of all treatment admissions to New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Support. However, the only support groups available for many participants are based on the traditional and faith-based 12-step model. Too often, individuals in the court system are denied access to nonreligious recovery options that are consistent with their values and personal beliefs.

The First Amendment right to secular recovery options is well-established—there is a long list of cases in which the courts, time and time again, have affirmed it as a constitutional right. Unfortunately for many New Yorkers, the way our criminal justice system operates on the ground doesn’t always protect this right, and as a result individuals suffering from substance abuse disorders are being coerced into faith-based programs, and denied the opportunity to choose a nonreligious, science-based organization like SMART Recovery.

Last year, a federal court ruled that an atheist's rights were violated when their parole was revoked for refusing to attend a faith-based rehab. This case took place in Colorado, but we know that it’s happening all over the nation and in New York. Our work is helping to change that.

This year, we plan to continue advocating for expanded access to programs like SMART Recovery in other states. If you have any questions or would like to get more involved in your state, contact Sarah Levin at sarah@secularstrategies.com.

Your support makes this critical work possible—please consider supporting our growing government affairs program by making a contribution to SMART Recovery today!

SMART Recovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Subject: Join SMART Recovery's Efforts to Pass New Legislation