Inmate thankful for chance at recovery (04/08/06)

To the editor:

I am now incarcerated at Miami Correctional Facility for dealing in methamphetamine, but I was also a user. First of all I would like to thank the court system in Jay County for realizing that I have a disease and giving me the opportunity to get the help that I need.

I feel that if it wasn’t for them than I wouldn’t have had the chance of accomplish everything that I have.

I would also like to apologize to the community for my behavior in the past. I used to think that I was a man when I turned 18-years-old. The truth was that I was still a child.

Now that I have been clean and sober for the last 20 months I can honestly say that I’m a man. I’m able to think with a clear head and ready to take responsibilities to be a better person.

I’m not only doing something about my disease for myself, but also for the people around me. I just want to say sorry to all of the people that I’ve hurt my whole life. I’m now willing to conform my behavior to the expectations of society and strive to become a productive and contribution member of my community.

I want to be a positive influence and help other people with their addictions and our younger generation before they have to go down the same road I went down. I have already done the hard part — that was admitting that I have a problem.

Also, I would like to thank the Indiana Department of Correction. They have a great rehabilitation system for those people who need the help and actually are serious about wanting help. The help is there; all you have to have is the want-to. I guess what I’m trying to say is if you need help, please ask.

Here are some of the activities that I’ve had the opportunity to take advantage of during my rehabilitation. I took the time to earn my GED. I did an OHSA/IOSHA and safety issues; introduction to blueprint reading and a welding class that was offered through IVY Tech State College. My GPA was a 4.0 and I now have 18 college credits towards my associate degree. I also did computer literacy, anger/stress management and parenting classes.

Now comes the most important part of my rehabilitation. I’m now attending a therapeutical community drug program. For those who haven’t heard of the program, it’s called CLIFF. It stands for Clean Lifestyle is Freedom Forever.

This program has a lot to offer to people that are like me with a complex brain disease. I’ve learned a lot of ways to deal with different situations. Drugs aren’t the answer; they only make things worse. I’ve learned how to notice irrational thoughts and thinking errors. I’m also able to do some rational self-counseling. It helps me manage my thoughts and feelings in a responsible, healthy way.

I also want to say thanks to my fiancee, Heather Geesaman, my daughter, Kristen Best, and everyone else that has supported me during my recovery.

Sincerely and respectfully submitted,

Joshua M. Best

Miami Correctional Facility[[In-content Ad]]