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Scott J.
Scott J. started using
alcohol and drugs when he
was 12 and had been in and
out of state and federal
prison throughout his life
for non-violent drug offenses.
But when Scott faced his
third strike and 25 years
to life in prison for a
simple possession charge,
he learned he qualified
for treatment instead of
jail under the then brand-new
Proposition 36 law. He had
never before been offered
treatment.
His time in prison provided
no respite from his using.
In prison, he says, there
were more drugs in a smaller
area. He was worn out and
struggling with methamphetamine
when he started Prop. 36
drug treatment. When he
entered an intensive residential
treatment program, he felt
like he was finally getting
the tools he needed to make
a change.
In August 2006, Scott will
have five years clean and
sober. He is the foreman
for a company that does
environmental construction
and supports five children
(youngest 3, then 14, 15,
20 and 21), three that still
live in the house. Since
graduating from Prop. 36
he had a new baby, now three
years old. He bought a new
house across the street
from his mother, so that
he can help her deal with
her diabetes.
See
more about Scott.
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