Probation/Parole Useless for an Addict without Proper Support Resources?

[thisfamily]

Honestly, based on my experience.. probation or parole for an addict is useless without the addict hitting rock bottom and truly making full use of the opportunity to turn his or her life around. My Jailbird violated probation 3 times... and this will be his 4th time.. and I noticed the violations were all from his addiction. I am glad he was sentenced to several years in prison.. so is he, too.. it's the only way he can truly detox and really get his head together without the influence of drugs and junkie friends. I talked with his probation officer here in FL and she will be offering him whatever drug programs he needs to address his addiction when he gets back on probation after a possible revocation after he returns to FL from Louisana's prison.

I mean... giving an active addict probation or parole is just a waste of time unless he or she really, truly wants to change and participate in a long term drug program!! Otherwise, the addict will just keep violating and end up back in jail paying a heftier fine and longer prison term. Anyone with me?

[nevaeh2morrow]

yes, I was so discouraged this past week when my son was picked up, taken to jail and then released less than 24 hours later....

[lorreann]

My son just got out of jail after a year and a half of detoxing and within one week is is already climbing the walls and back out with his old friends.
I wonder if he will ever be able to deal with life sober.

Originally Posted by ieatcupcakes

Honestly, based on my experience.. probation or parole for an addict is useless without the addict hitting rock bottom and truly making full use of the opportunity to turn his or her life around. My Jailbird violated probation 3 times... and this will be his 4th time.. and I noticed the violations were all from his addiction. I am glad he was sentenced to several years in prison.. so is he, too.. it's the only way he can truly detox and really get his head together without the influence of drugs and junkie friends. I talked with his probation officer here in FL and she will be offering him whatever drug programs he needs to address his addiction when he gets back on probation after a possible revocation after he returns to FL from Louisana's prison.

I mean... giving an active addict probation or parole is just a waste of time unless he or she really, truly wants to change and participate in a long term drug program!! Otherwise, the addict will just keep violating and end up back in jail paying a heftier fine and longer prison term. Anyone with me?

[junglette247]

I totally agree mine just got out after serving 8 months he has been out 30 days and has jumped right back on the saddle. Here in California they have passed a new law to ease over crowding in the state prison so non violent non serious non sex offense serve prison terms in county jail. So mine did his half term of 16 months and was released with no probation or parole to make any resources available to him for help with his addiction. I have not seen him in 2 weeks and no calls since last Thursday.

Sent from my iPod touch using PrisonTalk

[4ever love]

I too believe they really need some time in, to gather their thoughts.

I eatcupcakes: You say the parole/probation offer them a program. Does that mean they have to want to go or does that mean they must go as part of the process. Can a parole officer mandate a program? I'm calling one today and asking. Although I feel my friend's son, who's staying here, is ok, he's in desperate need of that continual push forward and in need of resources, to get just life back on track.

With my incarcerated man, it took a term, some maturity, a fire camp that promotes them, learning work ethics, time, and his belief that he could own his own. He found he's a great worker, built up some self-esteem, has been working on his legal paperwork out here (with my help), so that when he steps out the gate, he'll have some tools to use to keep moving forward. I believe he is ready and will succeed.

loreann: I'm sorry to hear that. My brother and few others I knew when I was young are life-time functioning users. In my heart, he won't stop. In my gut, if the young ones are tough loved, firmly...they have a good chance of bouncing out of it. I mean ride their butts, firmly, tough love, yet no yelling, screaming, down-talking. I know it's difficult, that's why I'm helping my friend's son, cause the minute mom speaks, he shuts her off. She also is the kindest person I know, whereas I am not...

[thisfamily]

Originally Posted by 4ever love

I too believe they really need some time in, to gather their thoughts.

I eatcupcakes: You say the parole/probation offer them a program. Does that mean they have to want to go or does that mean they must go as part of the process. Can a parole officer mandate a program? I'm calling one today and asking. Although I feel my friend's son, who's staying here, is ok, he's in desperate need of that continual push forward and in need of resources, to get just life back on track.

With my incarcerated man, it took a term, some maturity, a fire camp that promotes them, learning work ethics, time, and his belief that he could own his own. He found he's a great worker, built up some self-esteem, has been working on his legal paperwork out here (with my help), so that when he steps out the gate, he'll have some tools to use to keep moving forward. I believe he is ready and will succeed.

loreann: I'm sorry to hear that. My brother and few others I knew when I was young are life-time functioning users. In my heart, he won't stop. In my gut, if the young ones are tough loved, firmly...they have a good chance of bouncing out of it. I mean ride their butts, firmly, tough love, yet no yelling, screaming, down-talking. I know it's difficult, that's why I'm helping my friend's son, cause the minute mom speaks, he shuts her off. She also is the kindest person I know, whereas I am not...

Offer, voluntarily... yes. Even if it's not court ordered, the probation office through certain organizations (Salvation Army in my case) do already have programs for helping drug addicts. Your guy only has to ask for them if they aren't court ordered. You could try and see! The probation officer was specific about the offender wanting change and actually asking for the programs... but yes she said they offer these through her office.

[4ever love]

I called my friend's sons parole officer and left a message. I do have a right to speak with them if parolee staying at my house. I asked for help with a program. I would like to have a group meeting with parolee, his mom, parole officer and me to openly discuss the situation. In fact, if he's going to temporarily stay here, he has no options. Hanging out with friends instead of proactively looking for work, won't fly with me. I'm mean and I've learned a little more about the ticks and tocks of addiction.

On a beautiful note, my man is doing awesome at his fire camp and I'm so looking forward to our life together; I'm still on cloud 9 over the jewelry box he made me. Butterfly kisses to my 4ever love!

[thisfamily]

Originally Posted by 4ever love

I called my friend's sons parole officer and left a message. I do have a right to speak with them if parolee staying at my house. I asked for help with a program. I would like to have a group meeting with parolee, his mom, parole officer and me to openly discuss the situation. In fact, if he's going to temporarily stay here, he has no options. Hanging out with friends instead of proactively looking for work, won't fly with me. I'm mean and I've learned a little more about the ticks and tocks of addiction.

On a beautiful note, my man is doing awesome at his fire camp and I'm so looking forward to our life together; I'm still on cloud 9 over the jewelry box he made me. Butterfly kisses to my 4ever love!

That is awesome about your guy doing fantastic and making you happy. ;-)

So I could also talk with them since he wants to be released into my place. It is NOT a request that he participates in a long term program if he wants to be a family and live with us.

Yeah, hanging out with other junkies won't fly with me either... told him if I caught him even with a text to one friend with a known drug problem or out all night again.. he is OUT!! No argument. I don't care if he goes back to prison to complete the rest of his sentencing or have heftier fines/sentencing. Our daughter comes first and he knows it.

[4ever love]

Originally Posted by ieatcupcakes

That is awesome about your guy doing fantastic and making you happy. ;-)

So I could also talk with them since he wants to be released into my place. It is NOT a request that he participates in a long term program if he wants to be a family and live with us.

Yeah, hanging out with other junkies won't fly with me either... told him if I caught him even with a text to one friend with a known drug problem or out all night again.. he is OUT!! No argument. I don't care if he goes back to prison to complete the rest of his sentencing or have heftier fines/sentencing. Our daughter comes first and he knows it.

It's more like you say what you need to say, they analyze you, and then discuss things in confidence with the parolee. Just make sure it's positive, cause we learned yesterday, his baby mama cost him 7 days. This is about my best friend's son.

In my life journey, I've learned to speak, usually giving respect to all parties. If doing bad, I speak with them alone, giving them the respect we all want. I've learned, if someone out's you, it most always involves some form of revenge, and I'm not for that.

My man is still in, and very supportive of me helping another. Plus the more I learn, the more I have understanding and knowledge. My man likes that!!

[bdwell]

Cupcakes, You are so right. D was in a court ordered program. They are always stating stats about having some 300 ppl in 3 counties staying sober. In the 3 yrs he was in it I have seen about 100 go back into the system. After working Doc I believe we would be better served as a nation if we would turn some of the prisons into long term treatment facilities instead.

[starbright31]

yeah, judging from what I've heard from my bro in jail, I know for almost a fact he will be back on using drugs and hanging out with his junkie friends