249. Cedric Akbar | Positive Directions249. Cedric Akbar | Positive Directions
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Positive Directions, Drug Free Side-walks, Drug-Free Housing and Recovery. San Francisco activists give hope to people with addiction. Cedric Akbar is a San Francisco-based community leader and a passionate advocate for recovery and prisoner reentry. With over 25 years of leadership, particularly in San Francisco’s Bayview Hunters Point, Cedric serves as the Director of Forensic and Recovery Services at Westside Community Services. He is a founding member of Positive Directions Equals Change, an advisor to Drug-Free Sidewalks, and was elected to the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee in 2024. Feb 2025 BayView Black Newspaper Muck Rack Articles Positive Directions Equals Changes Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of the United States Government or any of its agencies. The content was recorded prior to the speaker's current federal service and is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. No agency endorsement or approval should be inferred.
59:31•29 Sept 2025
Cedric Akbar: From Addiction to Advocacy
Episode Overview
- Cedric Akbar turned his life around after a long-term heroin addiction.
- He founded Positive Directions Equals Change to support community recovery.
- Cedric advocates for drug-free sidewalks and housing in San Francisco.
- He stresses the importance of compassion paired with accountability.
- Community-based support systems are crucial for effective recovery.
“Being a drug user or a drug addict is like kids. They're looking for structure, something they can count on.”
Get ready to be moved by the inspiring story of Cedric Akbar, a community leader in San Francisco who's making waves in addiction recovery. Cedric's journey from a 20-year heroin addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for others is nothing short of remarkable. With Dr. Roneet Lev at the helm, this episode explores how Cedric's personal experiences fuel his passion for helping those in need.
He shares how his stint in prison became a turning point, leading him to establish Positive Directions Equals Change, a support group dedicated to fostering recovery and reintegration into society. Cedric's candid discussion about his past, the challenges of addiction, and the importance of community-based support systems offers listeners a refreshing perspective on recovery. He emphasises the need for compassion coupled with accountability, advocating for drug-free sidewalks and housing as steps towards a healthier community.
This episode is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of grassroots initiatives in combating addiction. So, are you curious about how community leaders can transform lives and neighbourhoods? Tune in to hear Cedric's story and find out what makes his approach to recovery so effective.
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