#67 - Breaking Chains: Opioid Addiction, Prison Reform & The Road to Recovery for Incarcerated Women in Appalachia

In this eye episode, we delve deep into the heart of Appalachia to uncover stories of struggle, resilience, and hope in the face of the opioid epidemic.

Takeaways

• The lack of treatment options and negative attitudes towards addiction worsen the cycle of incarceration and substance use.
• Support systems, such as 12-step programs and sponsors, play a crucial role in the recovery process.
• Advocacy work is vital for addressing challenges in the criminal justice system and advocating for policy changes.
• There is a need for a multifaceted approach to address poverty, mental health, and addiction in communities, particularly in rural areas.
• It is crucial to have more resources, such as mental health services and harm reduction strategies, to support individuals dealing with substance use disorder. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
06:18 Early Substance Use and Arrests
08:18 Lack of Treatment Options
10:43 Stigma and Moralizing of Substance Use
12:12 Access to Support Groups and Treatment
14:38 Depiction of Appalachia in Media
16:37 Exploitation and Poverty in Appalachia
20:08 Challenges in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
21:08 The Need for a Multifaceted Approach
25:27 Lack of Access to Services and Support
27:50 Recovery Process and Support Systems
30:05 Transitioning from Prison to Reentry
32:29 Challenges and Lack of Care in Prison
35:54 Advocacy Work and Policy Changes
40:48 Working at dream.org and Supporting Advocacy
45:04 Building Coalitions and Unlikely Allies
49:24 Policy Changes and Advocacy Success
51:49 Supporting Individuals with Substance Use Disorder
54:13 Challenges and Changes Needed for Women in the Criminal Justice System
58:56 Increasing Access to Resources and Alternatives to Incarceration
59:26 Hopes and Dreams for the Future

Amanda's Bio

Amanda Hall is the Campaign Director at Dream.Org and is on a mission to end mass incarceration. Prior to joining Dream.org JUSTICE, she was a Policy Strategist at the ACLU of Kentucky. Amanda's passion stems from being directly impacted by the criminal legal system. Acknowledging that her battle with addiction required professional help, Amanda pleaded with the court system to help her become rehabilitated. As is the case with so many, she was turned away and simply given prison time.  After being denied the help she knew she needed, Amanda vowed to be her own force for change, and once back in her community she gained the support of those around her.  

 

Amanda has been a leader of Kentucky Smart on Crime, a broad-based coalition working for common-sense justice reforms that enhance public safety, strengthen communities, and promote cost effective sentencing alternatives. Prior to policy work, Amanda served as program director of The Healing Place for Women in Louisville, KY.

 

Amanda has recently been featured on ABC11, The Courier Journal, the Let's Talk Reform podcast, and many other outlets.

 

#OpioidCrisis #WomenInRecovery #AppalachianStories #MentalHealthAdvocacy #BreakingAddiction #RecoveryJourney #IncarcerationReform #HealingAppalachia #AddictionAwareness #EmpoweringWomen