LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

Mental Health awareness is not just knowing where help is, but recognizing the early signs of the behavior of oneself and others. Missing this opportunity to intervene and seek support, opens the door to deterioration and degeneration by looking for ways to feel better. The process of experimentation with methods of self-medication can sometimes lead to addiction and doing whatever it takes to maintain that addiction. When personal resources are exhausted, addiction can lead to crime, theft and violence. Eventually the criminal justice system intervenes with arrests, courts and incarceration.

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To help the problem we need to address the crisis with a wholistic approach. We must treat the underlying problem not the symptom of drug/alcohol use. Our society must begin to offer:

  1. Knowledge and true empathy (professionals with good intentions and phonies are often shut down).

  2. Educational options (GEDs, trade skills, certifications renewal, etc.)

  3. Transportation to support sites for those without means

  4. Link with Medication Assistance Treatment (MAT) providers and medical assistance

  5. Job placement support (resume writers, community business contacts for placement, etc.)

  6. Hope/mentors/sponsors (access to people who have been there and have beat the addiction).

  7. Access to community activities that can be enjoyed without being medicated

Message: Generational trauma can drive drug/alcohol addiction, crime and incarceration!!