"Shown understanding and compassion"

Prison, Turning Point and Loved Ones

I’ve spent the last two years in prison, because I became a drugs courier, to fund my own massive addiction to heroin and crack. I gained nothing from it except ill-health. Only now that I’m clean and in recovery am I able to accept responsibility for my actions and remain accountable for my crimes. Within these last two years I’ve developed hugely, addressing my issues and repairing relationships damaged by my actions while in addiction, as well as studying with the Open University.

One of the biggest supporting influences has been having my partner back in my life. She is the love of my life and has been my rock and I almost lost her completely through my actions in addiction. I couldn’t bear losing her again. A lot of addicts in prison though are not as fortunate as me and are completely destitute, with nobody on the outside showing them love. I have been working as a Peer Mentor within the prison for a drugs charity for the last year, helping other addicts through the system, showing empathy and compassion. By selling drugs I spread the misery I suffered myself, now I try to spread a message of recovery.

I have, however, witnessed hostility towards those in the system suffering with alcoholism and addiction, from some staff, other prisoners and even in the opinions of people in the public domain. It’s a knee-jerk reaction to simply say ‘They broke the law, lock them up, let them suffer’. The sentiment that tough punishment and even the stripping of human rights, somehow will teach these people a lesson is not conducive to what I have both witnessed and experienced myself. It only promotes fear and mistrust.

If I was not shown compassion and understanding from Turning Point, the agency I work for in here, I would have remained in denial of my issues and resentful towards the system, marginalized and pushed further into isolation. Prison was only the facilitator of my recovery; the real work was done by the understanding, empathy and support of recovery workers. Without people like them on the front line, there would be no guidance for the huge amount of addicts and alcoholics who feel isolated and pushed aside within our prisons and are often exploited by the real criminals, who use them as a commodity.