Making the Case for Counseling Programs
Your July 8 editorial makes a compelling case, applauding the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for promoting in-custody drug counseling and anger-management programs.
It makes sense that helping inmates address those problems that got them into trouble will lower the recidivism rate. Moreover, the in-custody drug-treatment program is a good solution for those defendants who do not qualify for Proposition 36.
Beginning this year, the Sheriff’s Department launched the innovative pilot program, BEST Choice, an intensive in-custody, 90-day-minimum, alcohol-and drug-treatment program.
I am an inmate participating in this program. I have a history of drug addiction with the concomitant legal problems. Over the years, I have felt hopelessness and despair over my drug addiction.
As a result of my treatment in the BEST Choice program, I have a sense of hope. I am developing effective living skills based on the AA 12-step program of recovery.
I would like to applaud Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona for addressing the debate of “treatment versus incarceration” by promoting a “hybrid” solution, BEST Choice, a treatment program within an incarceration environment. This is one step closer to solving how to treat drug addiction and reduce related crimes.
Boaz Balenti
Orange
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
