My Friend Has Been Out For 18 Months

by Rifka
(NY NY)

My friend was released into an intensive substance abuse rehab program after several years in prison. The location was far away from the victims of the crime and any temptation to violate an order of protection.

He lived with relatives and, therefore, did not have money problems. After the alcohol rehab program, he was hooked up with volunteer opportunities and expected eventually to look for a job.

I feel a lot of structure in the first six months helped the adjustment to freedom. He also was wearing an ankle bracelet and could not leave the city. He was required to go to AA meetings, and developed new relationships with other people trying to improve their lives. This was a big positive factor.

The relatives introduced my friend to their circle of neighbors and friends without mentioning the criminal background. This removed a huge stigma. It turns out that there is no problem telling people you are in a treatment program. Substance abuse has been mainstreamed (I think that will cut down on prison returns).

A major incentive to stay with the rules is that his college age kids were able to come and visit him and offer encouragement and love. He now has a job and was able to find his own apartment recently. That was a big step and a positive one.