Prison system reform: Stop the Cycle of drug offences

I am here to offer input on an issue that never gets addressed and is almost always ignored. From knowing some people who have been through the correctional system, I have asked myself, how is it that an inmate has access to drugs? Have you ever thought of what it even takes to visit someone in prison? The visitation processes are so difficult that, believe me when I say, it cannot be the visitor who brings it in. I know that many other people also have access to the inmates, but are not required to go through the same security measures that everyone else does. Because inmates have continued access to drugs while in prison, they may never be fully rehabilitated.

This is where my concerns for the inmate transitioning back out to society lie, especially when they leave and still have substance abuse issues and need additional recovery support. Someone in recovery might be on the verge of relapse despite all these programs supposedly available through the Massachusetts prison system (listed on their website,) But once you are in jail, it’s difficult to really get that help because the rehab programming is not consistent and inmates have continued access to drugs.

A reality check is needed in all aspects and areas of recovery and drug reform. I believe when the problem is ignored it becomes worse, the way it has throughout the years. Many inmates get released, then must deal with society—their blame and judgment—while the main issue is not dealt with, lack of prison system supports and resources when inmates are released.

Case management is not what it should be, nor  are the services they claim to offer. So by me posting these concerns, I am hoping that I can make you aware of what’s going on and how we may fix it. Someone you know may end up in this situation and may need guidance to the right ways of staying off of drugs and away from the circumstances that may lead them to going back to jail or relapsing. I feel that with state funding available to the prison system and responsible staffing, Massachusetts should not have an issue with consistency in service delivery.

I believe that a pre-release program should be mandatory for all inmates who are afflicted with the disease of substance abuse so that they can know the resources and requirements to enroll in rehabilitation programs before leaving a structured institution, including prison. Maybe this way they will be more willing to deal with their disease and not go back to where they came from.