Having a group of others working toward recovery is important for the inmate working recovery. Your network members should ideally be in the same 12-step program you are, but anyone in a 12-step program will understand the basics recovery. Building a network can seem be difficult if you have never been part of a recovery program and now are locked up but it’s very possible. Here are some tips for doing so:
- Go to a meeting every day if you’re not in jail and anticipate that you will land up there. Get people’s phone numbers. Once you find people you are comfortable with, explain you might end up in prison and ask if you may call and write them. Collect their contact information explaining to them that you will likely need their full name and mailing address. Some may decline, citing the importance of anonymity, so expect some of that.
- Prepare your contact list and give it to a trusted friend or family member. Once you are able to receive mail in jail, have them send a photocopy of your list to you. Have them keep a copy for their records. If you are ever transferred to another facility, you may need it to be sent again.
- Contact your local 12-step intergroup and ask their advice. Do the same with your program’s headquarters. Many programs have prison outreach programs, penpal matching, and volunteer sponsors who will write to you in prison.
- Ask your therapist (and give your permission to share your information) with other potential sober network members. THe therapist won’t give you other patients’ information, but may be willing to give them yours.
- If you’re already in jail, ask a trusted friend to make these calls.
- Talk to the prison’s chaplain, treatment coordinator, or alcohol and drug program counselor.
- Slowly and carefully identify others in your block or facility who may be in recovery or interested in learning more.
Prison can be a very triggering place, so building a sober network often will become your primary support to maintain and thrive in sobriety.
Read more about Sober Networks at BlueCrest Recovery