I am seeking your support in taking a stand to combat the epidemic of drug abuse running rampant within the borders of our beloved state and it's citizens. The attributes and characteristics of the devastation of drugs and alcohol are no longer "undercover".

The destruction and toll it is taking is no longer discreet, as this wide spread tragedy resembles a non-partial genocide due to lack of aggressive addressing and actions being sought. It is affecting every age group and ethnic group with no biasness towards economic or educational background. We are all affected directly or indirectly by drug/alcohol abuse in our state. As an only child of a former alcoholic and former substance abuser myself, I can attest to the long arm of drug use and its grasp within the family structure and social and educational realms of our communities.

With the phenomenal number of drug related deaths and incarcerations increasing, it would appear as if we're headed towards a gloomy demise with no future hope. Which is why I am so grateful for the opportunity in which my God has presented me through the Second Chance Program and its staff members. Through faith in the program expressed by the judiciary columns in my home county, I was afforded the choice to regain and maintain control of my life in which I had voluntarily relinquished in my choosing to use drugs.

The Second Chance Program has not only assisted me in taking responsibility for past decisions, but taught me the tools and techniques necessary to ensure I am capable of not only making successful future quality decisions, but following through with them as well. The first quality decision having been to take back the reins of my life. I've acquired, and continue to polish the skills to confront various issues I once used as justification to use. Because of the sauna detoxification program, I've physically been cleansed of all harmful toxins and substances stored in my body which threatened to become dislodged, cause restimulation and in turn relapse.

My self-confidence and self-respect has been restored. I am now aptly capable of competing in our communities to be successful as well as being competent to reasonably confront issues without restoring to drug use when they appear. It is because of the personal horror I encountered during my 13 years of drug use which prompts me to want others who are entangled in the web of drug abuse to experience the freedom and amazing elation of life without drugs. It is a daily implementing and utilizing of the drills learned here at Second Chance that assures my successful day to day sobriety. Because of the rapid increase in drug use, it is vital and extremely important to have our Second Chance Program supported and made available throughout our state.

Julio, resident inmate at Second Chance Program.

The Second Chance Program (www.SecondChanceProgram.net) is a prison-based criminal and drug rehabilitation program that was opened in October of 2006 by Rick Pendery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It provides secure, long-term residential rehab and is offered to inmates who have six months to a year left on their sentence and have exhibited a chronic substance abuse problem. It is presented inside the criminal justice system and offers drug rehabilitation as well as education and self-respect components to help reduce criminal behavior.