The Recovery Bill of Rights
is a statement of the principle that all Americans have a right to recover from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Learn more…
Campaigns: Recovery Voices Count
January 23, 2008: Obama at Town Hall Meeting
At a town hall meeting, at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, Senator Barack Obama responded to the following question posed by FAVOR SC Board Member Bob Rice:
"Millions of Americans in recovery from addiction to alcohol or other drugs are encountering barriers to employment, education, affordable housing, and healthcare. If elected, what would you do to remove these barriers that prevent us from becoming contributing members of our communities?"
To which he responded:
"I believe criminal justice, that is the states that have drug courts, offer one way for first time offenders to get their lives back together. But we've got to stop sending these people to jail and start providing treatment."
"Educating our young people toward prevention is important."
"Also, I believe in parity for addiction and mental health. This is a national health issue."