LEGAL - criminal justice system and incarceration Archives

Evidence From Oregon: Decriminalizing Drugs Can’t Solve Every Problem, but It’s an Important Step All the Same

Oregon has just rescinded Measure 110, the historic law that decriminalized possession of small amounts of hard drugs. But the reasoning behind the ro…

rredick April 30, 2024

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“I Want To End This Cycle” Was Music To My Ears. How Can I Be My Son’s Best Ally?

Member Barbars has a grown son who struggles with alcohol. The great news is that he wants to change, and she is there for him. Allies writer Laurie M…

Laurie MacDougall March 24, 2023

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My Son’s in Jail, And I Think It Saved His Life

No one wants to see their Loved One incarcerated. Surprisingly enough, however, it’s not always the worst of outcomes. Eliza’s son has struggled w…

Dominique Simon March 10, 2023

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He May Be Spending the Holidays in Jail. Should I Bail Him Out?

Anger and resentment towards her loved one has transformed – with one event – into love and fear. He was arrested out of state for dealing drugs a…

Dominique Simon December 16, 2022

Answering Listener Questions

In interactions with our loved one, it's important to be open to conversation and seek a way to be collaborative rather than making demands. In this e…

jamesheflin October 5, 2022

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Answering Listener Questions

In interactions with our loved one, it's important to be open to conversation and seek a way to be collaborative rather than making demands. In this e…

jamesheflin September 21, 2022

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Section 35: Playing Russian Roulette with Involuntary Treatment in Massachusetts

While many states use civil commitment, Massachusetts is believed to be the only state in the union that allows family members to file a Section 35 pe…

rredick June 22, 2022

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I’m Not the One Who’s Sending Him to Jail

An Allies in Recovery Member has been caught in a long cycle of “bailing out” their Loved One after every relapse. Sometimes it’s been money …

Dominique Simon June 17, 2022

Are Fentanyl Users Successful with Methadone?

This member is feeling cautiously optimistic. Her daughter is cooperating with her probation officer, starting on methadone, and has asked to move bac…

Dominique Simon May 3, 2021

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