Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds Appears on News 12

LICADD Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds appeared on News 12 last night discussing addiction stigma and employment opportunities for those in recovery. Dr. Reynolds countered the assertions of some NYS Senators who claim that recent changes in the law, which allow judges to consider sealing the criminal records of low-level drug offenders, amounts to a “Drug Dealer Protection Act.” Dr. Reynolds pointed out that judges could only seal criminal records in narrowly defined circumstances, which include non-violent offenses and an offender’s full compliance with drug treatment over an extended period of time. The new law requires judges to carefully consider the nature of the offense, any potential threat to public safety, and requires judges to solicit feedback from local prosecutors when contemplating the seal of criminal records. ”We all agree that drug dealers should not be running day care centers, however, that’s not what this law is about. Individuals who have struggled through addiction and embarked on a journey of recovery shouldn’t be permanently tarnished when looking to regain employment, provide for their families, and become productive members of our society,” said Dr. Reynolds. “Should a college student who makes some mistakes, is convicted of possession of a controlled substance, succesfully completes a treament program and stays clean for several years be required to list that conviction on a job application twenty years later?” he asked. “That’s for a judge to decide and we ought to give them the power to make those decisions based on individual cases, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Dr. Reynolds also noted, “The biggest threat to workplace safety is not those who have received addiction treatment, but those who have not. Reducing the stigma associated with addiction is critical to encouraging treatment and addressing the disease.”