People who leave prison face challenges such as mental stability, drug use, and staying connected to family.
Incarceration can have an impact on people who are returning citizens. People who are exposed to violence and judgmental factors while in prison, face uncertainty and self-seclusion upon release, according to BusinessNH Magazine.
As a result of witnessing abnormal behavior while in custody, many find themselves struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from their experiences.
“Am I supposed to forget about what I saw and was involved in? Forget about the violence and conditions that I just left?” said formerly incarcerated person Anthony Payton.
Payton lost his father and daughter during his incarceration; he left federal prison only with memories of his family.
There are more than two million incarcerated people in detention across the U.S. who are dealing with mental illness. According to the publication, a study revealed that the formerly imprisoned find leaving prison as stressful as entering it.
“It took me some time to feel comfortable eating with my back toward any doors. I finally stopped washing my boxer briefs in the shower, some things just stick with you, said Payton.
According to the Economist, in the first weeks of parole drug use is the main cause of death around the world, except in Brazil. The addict’s abstinence from drugs while in prison makes their body unable to handle intoxication; once paroled, a person’s drug use can cause a fatality.
There are countless incarcerated people who leave prison in “very poor health.” One particular health condition is drug addiction.
“Someone who goes in unwell, in other words, comes out unwell,” noted the article.
Since 2016 Canada has made Naloxone available to parolees upon release. Including adequate mental health services can also be beneficial, asserted the story.
According to Trend Wyoming, returning citizens sometimes depend on their families as support systems during the process of re-entering society. In a big way, relatives lend a helping hand; this support may entail a monetary burden to the families.
When a loved one is released from custody, relatives struggle with understanding the person’s obligation to find a job, and the rules and regulations of parole, which enable high levels of stress for both the parolee and their family.
The struggles can put a strain on interpersonal relations, which may fracture over a period of time. Having the resources that help a person to obtain employment can help alleviate challenges of parole.
“Prison was a blessing and a curse. It rob me of memories with my family that have passed away,” said Harry Goodall Jr.
He has spent more than 20 years in prison and recently was found suitable on March 22, 2024.
People who have spent the majority of their lives incarcerated can feel misplaced in the “real world,” noted the article.
“People in society do not have the privilege of taking self-help groups, learning anger management, and conflict resolution. It was tough learning [about] people [on the outside] again, because they are mean,” said Tim Hicks, who paroled from SQ after serving 17 years.
Several kinds of support systems exist for returning citizens. The main thing is to make people aware of programs and the process of re-entry; this knowledge will increase the probability that a returning citizen will reach out and allow others to help.
“People should utilize their support system. Do not isolate — if you do, you’re in trouble. Tell your Parole Officer; just let someone know,” said Carlos Mesa, who was released in August 2020 from SQ.
