Palm Beach County State Attorney Alexcia Cox on Addiction, Recovery, and Public Safety

Описание: What happens when the justice system treats addiction and mental health as public safety priorities without losing sight of compassion?

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down in person with Alexcia Cox, State Attorney for Palm Beach County (and longtime prosecutor and community leader), for a grounded conversation about what it looks like to balance accountability with care.

Alexcia shares her journey as a Palm Beach County native who chose a life of public service, and why protecting residents includes safeguarding people seeking help, especially in the behavioral health and addiction treatment space. She reflects on the community’s progress since the height of the opioid crisis, the importance of ethical, evidence-based treatment, and the continued role of the State Attorney’s Addiction Recovery Task Force in identifying and prosecuting bad actors.

They also explore why collaboration across agencies and community partners is one of the most powerful tools we have, whether that’s through the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC), problem-solving courts like drug court, or prevention efforts that help young people navigate peer pressure and risk.

If you care about recovery, prevention, and building safer communities, this episode offers real insight into how systems can work better together.

Episode Highlights

Why ethical addiction treatment is a public safety issue, and how Palm Beach County confronted treatment fraud
The ongoing work of the State Attorney’s Addiction Recovery Task Force, including reporting pathways for suspected wrongdoing
New initiatives launched under Alexcia’s leadership, including a focus on violent repeat offenders and protections for vulnerable residents
Why drug court and diversion efforts matter in long-term recovery and community outcomes
The role of community collaboration in reducing stigma and improving outcomes across systems
Alexcia’s personal “why”: service, mentorship, and building a safer Palm Beach County for families

About Our Guest

Alexcia Cox is the State Attorney for Palm Beach County and a longtime public servant with nearly two decades of prosecutorial experience. She has served in leadership roles across the justice system, helped advance behavioral health-informed strategies, and supports efforts that balance public safety with intervention and recovery-focused solutions.

Learn More

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