Program Description

MISSION STATEMENT
A New PATH works to reduce the stigma associated with addictive illness through education and compassionate support, and to advocate for therapeutic rather than punitive drug policies.

WHO WE ARE
A non-profit advocacy organization of parents, concerned citizens, individuals in recovery, healthcare professionals and community leaders working together to educate the public, media and decision makers about the true nature of the disease of addiction, and to expand access to treatment services. We advocate to end discriminatory drug policies that serve as roadblocks to recovery. 

VISION STATEMENT
A New PATH strives to assure access to quality cost-effective addiction treatment services, lessen the harms associated with addictive illness, reduce recidivism, save lives and move towards a healthier society, free from discriminatory drug policies, violent crime and wasted lives."

HISTORY
PATH grew out of a series of pre-Substance Abuse Summit meetings with parents, Superior Court Judges and officers of the criminal justice system in the Spring of 1999. In 2000, PATH was instrumental in passing Proposition 36 in California , mandating treatment instead of incarceration for non-violent drug offenders.  Founding members are Gretchen Burns Bergman, Sylvia Liwerant and Tom O’Donnell.

Our proposals for Therapeutic Justice:

• Long-term mandatory rehabilitation in a structured therapeutic recovery environment for non-violent drug offenders
• If the nature of the crime does not allow for this alternative, sentencing should include immediate placement in a rehabilitation and recovery program within the prison system
• Upon release from prison or recovery homes, substance abuse offenders should be mandated to a transitional program in a sober-living environment to prepare them to re-enter society