7 Texans Arrested In Federal Drug Sweep
According to US Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas, seven arrests have been made after an investigation into a drug trafficking ring operating in Hockley and Cochran counties in Texas. Those seven are now facing federal charges of drug distribution and conspiracy as a result of the findings of that investigation.
Multiple organizations, both federal and local to Texas and New Mexico, worked together on the investigation. Most defendants were arrested in Texas, and all face the charge of conspiracy to possess and intent to distribute methamphetamine. Some face charges of possession and/or intent to distribute 5+ grams or 50+ grams of methamphetamin. Depending on the amount, the potential penalty will vary, with the greatest potential sentence adding up to a $10 million fine and life in prison.
Is It Too Late for Recovery
For those who are facing indictments and serious federal charges, it can feel like there is no ability to turn things around, that the individual has gone too far down the road to be able to turn around and make serious changes.
This is not the case. Only death signifies the end of the ability to change and repair one’s life, and no matter how tough things have gotten or how bleak the current situation, there is always hope for recovery – not just in terms of managing a substance use disorder but in recovery of one’s life and relationships as well.
This means that no matter where you, or your loved one, are right this minute – in active addiction, in prison, or struggling with a big life change like divorce or loss of a loved one – there are paths forward that will lead you to balance and peace.
Make the First Move
If you are living in active addiction, the first step forward is to connect with treatment services. It is an essential first step, and one that cannot be avoided if long-term balance in recovery is the goal.
As much as it may be desirable to “get clean” without professional help, the fact is that there is far more to rehab than surviving detox and no matter how much you genuinely want to be sober, these are not things that you can do for yourself. Those who can “white knuckle” their way through detox on their own – and this is not a guarantee – will soon find that without considerable therapeutic intervention and social support, they will relapse due to a lack of coping mechanisms and professional guidance in managing inevitable challenges.
Addiction is both physical and mental, and at a professional treatment program, those who are experts in the field know how to tailor treatment programs so they meet the needs of each person and expose them to the help they need to stabilize in recovery.
Never ‘Too Far Gone’
If your loved one is in lockup, their road has not ended. Laws change all the time and people make parole. Though there may not be treatment services in the prison facility, if your loved one can stay sober while inside, they may be able to avoid lengthening their stay due to drug-related issues. Additionally, you can support their long-term progress in recovery by:
- Sending them books on recovery: Though you cannot send used books into prisons, you can order new books to be delivered to them directly from approved vendors that will that will vary from prison to prison, or you can petition a nonprofit organization like Inside Books Project that sends free books to prisoners to send recovery-related material.
- Writing them letters of encouragement: If you are writing to your loved one, do not talk positively about using drugs or drinking, overburden them with the difficulties that people may be facing at home, or spend a lot of time judging them harshly or berating them for the past. It is likely very clear to them that they have made some mistakes, so try to be supportive as possible.
- Being clear about expectations: It is important that you make it clear to your loved one that when and if they return home, you will be expecting that they remain sober. Talk about rehab programs they might enter before they come home and leave no room for doubt that total abstinence is expected.
- Connecting them with treatment services: Depending on when your loved one is slated for release, you can begin to consider the different options available to them in treatment. In some cases, it may make sense to discuss those options with your loved one via mail and when visiting in advance of their release.
How will you help your loved one take the next step toward a new life without drugs and alcohol?
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