Just Released from prison.

[Lil_Dookie]

On Monday, November 28th I finished a 16 month prison sentence. I know as far as sentences go this is certainly on the short end. I still cant help but feel a little overwhelmed. The world seems to be moving at a faster pace than I am used to. I was wondering if any other bluelighters have experienced this andwhat their opinion on the subject of coping with "institutionalzation" is?

 

[Cyc]

What were you in for? How did you pass the time? What do you have going on now that you're out?

Sorry, I don't have any relative experience, but I find your story interesting.

 

[Lil_Dookie]

I was on probation for possesion of valium +100 and I was caught again with a large quanity of kolonpin (463 2mg tabs). As far as passing the time I played alot of poker, scrabble, and chess, read a mountain of books, and was on the prison volleyball team. I did my time at the Mississippi state penetentry. which you maybe familiar with from the movie Life starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. I've been out about a week and have spent most of my time with my family going out to eat, shopping ect. Every day has been more wonderful and beautiful than the last.

 

[Artificial Emotion]

I have never been to prison thankfully, but I can relate to you with regards to feeling institionalized, as about five years ago I spent 15 months in psychiatric hospital only to spend a further 9 months a couple of months after being released. The main feeling I felt was anger at having lost a significant period of my life when I hadn't even done anything wrong or illegal. I still feel a little bitter even today. I found it difficult to adapt to normal life for a while but after I had been out for a month or so I found it much easier to cope and adjust. Just think to yourself that life in prison is such a waste of your precious time on this earth and try and be thankful that you're out, despite how difficult it may seem. Give it time and eventually you will find it easier, but you must try your hardest to stay out of trouble since it's just not worth it.

You really should try and integrate into society as best you can, making friends and relying on some sort of support network like your family if that's possible. I think that would really help to keep you on the straight and narrow and it's just good for your mental wellbeing to have a healthy social life with good friends that won't get you into trouble after such a difficult experience. I would recommend finding a hobby as well, since that really does help to take your mind off things. Things will get easier, trust me.

It does sound like you're adjusting well, so I really wouldn't worry to much about being institutionalized.

 

[Cyc]

Ah, I know that in Canada at least, possession of a schedule IV substance for personal use is not illegal. However, the amount you were caught with, they might try to nail a person with trafficking.

Glad to hear you're thoroughly enjoying life and your time was spent unremarkably. I also enjoy volleyball a lot and play on several teams.

Hopefully someone else can come in and help you with your initial question.

 

[Joeof1]

I would recommend finding a hobby as well, since that really does help to take your mind off things.
It does sound like you're adjusting well, so I really wouldn't worry to much about being institutionalized.

Was never institutionalized, but I spent more than a few years in the Military. It's the same feeling when you get out. Boredom has been the biggest issue, and I've managed to stave most of that off with finding a hobby that took the appropriate amount of brainpower to keep me distracted. Usually anything you find mentally exhausting after a few hours does the trick. I've taken up playing chess as well.

My instance is a bit different, but I had the hardest time trying to get to sleep some nights.

 

[Samadhi]

I've never been to prison myself, but have spent a lot of time with people who have - a number of my childhood friends went from boys homes to adult prisons. A number of them became institutionalised (cracking laps in rooms, one guy had to ask my ex-partner if he could use the bathroom just after he was released out of habit), but some of them really made a go of it and didn't end up back inside. The biggest contributing factors were that they were able to find employment, and for the first little while, didn't see any of the old faces - people who may tempt them back to whatever got them locked up in the first place. As Joeof1 said, you could also find a hobby, something to keep you occupied. I'm afraid that's all i know/saw of my friends, but there would be a heap of reading online - also, do you have a parole officer? Would they be able to help at all? (i have no idea and i may sound naive asking). I'm sure there would also be community groups that you could access as well?

I wish you all the best

 

[whataboutheforests]

Ah, I know that in Canada at least, possession of a schedule IV substance for personal use is not illegal.

WOW i wish I lived in canada, i'm currently being charged for possession of a schedule 4 substance (alprazolam). The best part is, it was a quarter of a 1 mg bar... and it was found when the drug task force raided my house looking for completely different substances/people. I love our legal system...