Reader sees jail sentence as a part of recovery
Letter to the Editor:
Treatment works, and jail helps.
I’m glad to live and work where people believe in supporting behavioral health treatment. I agree, in principle, with the argument that we should invest in more treatment, rather than a new jail. And in a perfect world, I’d be advocating that way, but our world isn’t perfect.
If perfect, those who need treatment would get it. However, only about 20 percent of people in need seek that care. Sometimes this is due to stigma. (It takes courage to admit you have treatment needs.)
Often motivation is key. Motivation to change is hard for everyone. How often have you started a diet and failed to follow through? It’s even harder when addiction, depression, anxiety or psychosis symptoms constantly show you change is impossible.
We are lucky to have local agencies like Anazao, OneEighty, the Counseling Center and others that cooperate. Because we do, together we can assure that help is available today for needs you have today. But symptoms, motivation and other obstacles leave many not accessing treatment. For many, the difficulty of these barriers is life-threatening as overdose and suicide are all-too-real possibilities.
If you are incarcerated, it’s easier to attend sessions, easier to practice coping skills and easier to build motivation to continue treatment after release. But the current jail conditions limit treatment. There is not enough space, the design of the building makes moving inmates difficult and the volume of inmates creates safety concerns for correctional officers, treatment staff and inmates alike. Please join me in voting Yes to support a new jail, increase safety and expand treatment.
Jail is a place where many finally begin to make needed change in their lives. And making these changes saves lives.
Mark Woods, executive director of Anazao Community Partners
Wooster