Inmate counselors with outside volunteers in the SQ Lower Yard’s ARC trailer
Opening up or remaining anonymous was a hot topic at San Quentin’s 12th annual Addiction Recovery Day, Sept. 29.
“One of the things I’m seeing is the stigma around addiction,” said visitor Daniel Petersen, of the Support 4 Recovery organization. “How can we change that if we remain anonymous? People need to see the face of recovery.
“I’m employed—I have a relationship with my family. It’s about choices today, because you know the consequences,” Petersen added. “I still know where the liquor stores and drug dealers are. By sharing our stories we can prevent people from getting stuck behind bars.”
The event was held in the Addiction Recovery Counseling (ARC) building on the prison’s Lower Yard, in conjunction with National Recovery Month.
The theme was “Evolution,” which emphasized the importance of being a service to those in need and getting to the root of one’s addiction.
The theme was “Evolution,” which emphasized the importance of being a service to those in need and getting to the root of one’s addiction.
Petersen said he just celebrated 20 years of sobriety.
Visitor Nancy Zandonella, of Fresh Start Alumni Assoc., still sees the need for people to remain anonymous.
“The general public still doesn’t understand a lot about recovery,” Zandonella said. “There is still a negative stigma about what an addict looks like, such as someone being homeless or having missing teeth. But they could be a correctional guard, police officer or a firefighter. “So for some people to re- main anonymous, it can help them seek help,” Zandonella added.
Visitor Nancy Zandonella, of Fresh Start Alumni Assoc., still sees the need for people to remain anonymous.
“The general public still doesn’t understand a lot about recovery,” Zandonella said. “There is still a negative stigma about what an addict looks like, such as someone being homeless or having missing teeth. But they could be a correctional guard, police officer or a firefighter. “So for some people to re- main anonymous, it can help them seek help,” Zandonella added.
The celebration marked the first year without volunteer Dr. Davida Coady, creator of San Quentin’s ARC program.
Dr. Coady died in May from terminal cancer. She was the rock and inspiration of the ARC program. Dr. Coady and her husband, Tom Gorham, founded Berkeley’s Options Recovery Services and introduced it inside the prison.
Dr. Coady died in May from terminal cancer. She was the rock and inspiration of the ARC program. Dr. Coady and her husband, Tom Gorham, founded Berkeley’s Options Recovery Services and introduced it inside the prison.
The program trains inmates to become state-certified addiction treatment counselors.
“The effect of Dr. Coady on our lives and the program is insurmountable,” said in- mate Michael Kirkpatrick. “She gave us the knowledge and we give it back to the people.”
Kirkpatrick graduated from the ARC program and became a state-certified addiction treatment counselor within the prison.
Peet’s Coffee and Tea representatives were in attendance for the second year. The company has become a leading financial supporter of the program. The relationship began when Peet’s store manager Mallory Olmstead, and other employees, donated a portion of their Christmas tips to support the ARC program.
“The effect of Dr. Coady on our lives and the program is insurmountable,” said in- mate Michael Kirkpatrick. “She gave us the knowledge and we give it back to the people.”
Kirkpatrick graduated from the ARC program and became a state-certified addiction treatment counselor within the prison.
Peet’s Coffee and Tea representatives were in attendance for the second year. The company has become a leading financial supporter of the program. The relationship began when Peet’s store manager Mallory Olmstead, and other employees, donated a portion of their Christmas tips to support the ARC program.
“It’s not only helping the lives of these men who are training to be counselors, but [also] the ones they are help- ing,” Olmstead said.
The small group of participants sat in a circle and shared stories of struggles, triumphs and what it takes to be of service.
“I use to have thoughts of relapse until I learned how to find the roots to my addiction,” said inmate Anthony Thomas, a member of the ARC program. “Today I’m proud to say I’m sober.”
The debate on outspoken- ness versus anonymity was just a backdrop on serving others. Everyone agreed on the importance of being clean and sober and seeking help for an addiction.
“I thought I was coming to bring a message, but a message was given to me today,” Zandonella said. “We’re sharing our recovery.”
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The small group of participants sat in a circle and shared stories of struggles, triumphs and what it takes to be of service.
“I use to have thoughts of relapse until I learned how to find the roots to my addiction,” said inmate Anthony Thomas, a member of the ARC program. “Today I’m proud to say I’m sober.”
The debate on outspoken- ness versus anonymity was just a backdrop on serving others. Everyone agreed on the importance of being clean and sober and seeking help for an addiction.
“I thought I was coming to bring a message, but a message was given to me today,” Zandonella said. “We’re sharing our recovery.”
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/building-lives-health-wellness/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/prison-employment-connection-pec/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/project-avary-marches-children/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/san-quentin-news-merchandise/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/taking-the-first-step-to-recovery/
