Category: Substance Use Resources
A New Beginning—Part 4
A Painful Setback Marcus was staying on track with his probation conditions and maintaining his sobriety. He had moments of doubt and confusion, but overall, he felt positive about where he was at his life and the progress that he had made to reclaim his life. He attended regular support group meetings and felt like [...]
Reentry Checklist: Strategies for a Smooth Transition
As you prepare to transition back into the community after incarceration, you may feel overwhelmed. It's natural to feel uncertain about where to begin or how to tackle the obstacles that come with reentry. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone on this journey, and there are resources available to support you [...]
Free Resources to Champion a Smooth Reentry
Returning to the community after incarceration presents a unique set of challenges for individuals as well as their loved ones. It's a time of both hope and uncertainty, requiring dedication, support, and access to the right resources. Whether you are facing reentry directly or supporting a loved one, knowing where and how to find available [...]
Freed by Faith
Josephine E. found herself in a dark place due to her alcohol use. It wasn’t until her church was seeking a recovery group coordinator that she found the motivation to make a change. Asking for Help At her lowest point, Josephine turned to faith and her community to guide her toward a successful recovery. Through [...]
How to Maintain Your Sobriety During Stressful Times
Everyone deals with stress at one time or another, and for individuals in recovery, stress and triggers can challenge one’s sobriety. Substance use is often a quick way to deal with stress, and while drugs and alcohol provide temporary pain relief, they can also inflict much harsher, long-term consequences. You may be asking, “how else [...]
Navigating Family Dynamics in Recovery
“Remember, your past does not define you. Don’t forget that there are people who believe in you and are cheering you on. You’ve come this far, and your perseverance will carry you through.”- Karen G. As a reentry program director in California, Karen has helped many individuals navigate reentry and family reunification. This may be [...]
The Opioid Epidemic & Medication-Assisted Treatment
In 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency, commonly referred to as the “Opioid Epidemic". In response to the increasing rates of opioid-related deaths and Opioid-use Disorder (OUD), the government launched several initiatives to combat the crisis. Despite these reform efforts, over two million Americans suffer from OUD, [...]
Navigating Reentry Clean and Sober
Making the shift from incarceration to the community can pose many challenges. You may find yourself overwhelmed or stressed with new responsibilities, especially if you have a history of substance abuse. Research suggests that drug and alcohol relapse is one of the leading causes of recidivism. Luckily, many free resources exist to manage your sobriety [...]
Changing Perspectives
George had been a hustler his whole life until the law finally caught up with him. He knew that something needed to shift, and when he finally became willing to change, he had a new perspective on life. George knew the reentry program he was referred to was not going to be easy, but he [...]
Stopping the Cycle
Kenneth grew up in the juvenile system living in detention centers for seven years. The cycle continued into adulthood after he was charged with a criminal offense. He was released on bail to reentry programming where he learned about substance abuse and was able to accept his drug addiction. Now 19, Kenneth has interrupted the [...]
