Ashleigh's Mission: Transforming Legal Barriers into Recovery Pathways
Incarceration wasn't helping, and just seeing that he had so many other mental health issues- not that he would probably say that he has mental health issues, but like so many other issues that were probably causing his addiction, that weren't being helped by incarceration, is what kind of led me to get more into, not just like a marijuana exceptionalist as far as drug policy, and then getting more into, like the larger issues of incarcerating people with mental health and addiction issues.
What if the justice system could be a place of healing instead of punishment? That's the vision Ashleigh, a passionate mental health advocate and legal professional, is striving to make a reality. In this compelling episode of 'One Day I Decided', host Omanda Patricia sits down with Ashleigh to discuss her journey from witnessing a loved one struggle with addiction to becoming a beacon of hope in the legal world.
Ashleigh opens up about growing up in a family deeply involved in the Prop 64 movement and how those experiences shaped her career dedicated to decriminalizing drug addiction and supporting mental health within the legal system. The conversation dives into the complexities of overcoming addiction, the harsh realities of re-entry after incarceration, and the often overlooked human stories behind legal statistics.
Ashleigh doesn't just talk about the issues; she shares practical insights on navigating the legal system, finding support, and breaking free from the stigma that often accompanies addiction and criminal records. Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, even in the face of daunting legal challenges. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that blends personal anecdotes with broader societal insights, offering hope and practical advice for anyone touched by addiction or mental health struggles.