Image Source: Unsplash
Have you ever wondered why most people slip up and return to jail or prison? Some ex-offenders find themselves in situations (especially crime) that take them back to jail or prison. There are several psychological effects of going back to jail or prison. Not only does it affect a person’s behavior, but for some ex-offenders, the prison is a frightening and uncomfortable place to be. Therefore, it is advisable for one to use hindsight and foresight to remember the importance of freedom. This blog article is entitled “8 Good Reasons To Not Slip Up And Return To Jail Or Prison”.
Here are 8 good reasons to not return to jail or prison:
1. Prisons and jails are a restricted spaces and can lead to emotional stress. As an ex-offender who has had a feeling of freedom, returning to jail or prison can affect your physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. It is easy to slip into depression when ex-offenders find themselves back in jail or prison. However, to avoid both incarceration and recidivism, it is best to seek proven and effective rehabilitation. This way, it is easier to identify the issues that led to the initial criminal behavior. When a person returns to jail or prison, they can go through major post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Jail or prison has a way of hardening a person and it can make them feel emotionally numb and inhumane.
2. It is essential to practice positive habits while out of jail or prison. This is because when an ex-offender slips up and returns to jail or prison, there is no guarantee of receiving “Good time” credits. This means the prisoner might not get an early release based on the good conduct they exhibit in jail or prison. They can end up losing time and staying longer in prison. There are chances that things may get worse and them getting involved in activities which lead to more criminal charges while incarcerated. Taking up a trade or participating in gainful, valid, and legitimate activities can help Ex-offenders to avoid jail or prison.
Image Source: Pixabay
3. While in jail or prison, an incarcerated individual may get a different perspective on life. Certain experiences can tilt their opinion towards the justice system. Their outlook on fairness and justice may be ruined by the corruption and abuse of staff and other inmates. Ex-offenders can also have personal experiences with unjust acts and even abuses when they slip up and return to jail. The corruption in prison ranges from bribery to emotional blackmail and oftentimes times sexual harassment. It is no good way for someone to live and to avoid this, it is best to maintain awareness of the laws and loopholes that may not even be applied fairly or be accessible to all.
4. One needs to use hindsight and foresight to know their families need them for social and moral support. Family and loved ones need and want their incarcerated loved ones on the outside. Being in jail or prison not only takes away one’s freedom, but it also affects a family’s sense of structure. There will be certain activities where family requires help and the absence of the incarcerated individual may cause emotional stress and lack of financial and other assistance to them. Parents are responsible for giving their children access to positive role models. Being in jail or prison can cause anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues for everyone involved. It is important to avoid all criminal activities that lead to jail or prison time.
5. Everyone deserves privacy. When an individual slips up and returns to jail or prison, privacy is taken away from them. The prison space will be crowded, and they will always be under supervision. This lack of privacy and overcrowding may not agree with incarcerated individuals and can lead to emotional stress and anxiety. They may struggle with a private space to self-reflect and this can hinder self-improvement. If they return to jail or prison, the lack of privacy can tilt their thought process and alter the valid and legitimate plans and goals they had while outside. A little privacy can help in rehabilitation, and they barely have any access to this if they slip up and return to jail or prison.
Image Source: Pixabay
6. When incarcerated individuals face incarceration again, it can lead to the loss of their life. The jail or prison is a space for violence and fights. Imagine they get into a fight with other inmates and get sent to solitary confinement. For an individual who has experienced little freedom, being in this restricted space can lead to thoughts of self-harm. They may begin to struggle with fighting off other inmates and the suicidal voices in their head. The jail or prison conditions are capable of mentally and physically breaking them. They may decide to avoid fighting with other inmates but repeated incarceration can lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
7. One of the best ways to prevent people from returning to jail or prison is to create better and more opportunities outside of jail or prison. This way, ex-offenders can be reminded that the restricted space of the jail or prison is not for them. When there is a job or a lawful activity to keep them busy, they can tend to value their freedom more. Prison or jail is no place for individuals who value freedom and dislike boredom, stress or isolation. Government agencies have policies that allow the employment of ex-offenders, making it easier to not slip up and return to jail.
8. Prison or jail time takes away an individual’s dreams and plans for their future. If incarcerated individuals have a timestamp attached to their hopes and dreams, returning to jail or prison can defer and destroy them. No criminal activity is worth one’s freedom. It is best to stay positive and avoid being confined in jail or prison again. Make a list of one’s valid and legitimate plans, goals, and positive and lawful actions to be taken. Let them be a guide to keep one away from slipping up and returning to jail or prison. Remember, time wasted or locked up cannot be given back. Practice positive habits, avoid being involved with the wrong people and doing the wrong things.
Image Source: Pixabay
Image Source: Piaxabay
Conclusion
Although no one plans to get re-arrested and locked back up, it is advisable to conduct lawful acts while you have your freedom. Ensure to use hindsight and foresight to think ahead, reflect, and remember why you went to jail or prison in the first place. Focus on things that can help you remain on the outside and maintain your freedom. After all, there’s nothing new under the sun and falsely believing that you are invincible and smarter than everyone else is a sure way to set yourself up for recidivism.
References
https://www.awayoutbonds.com/blog/5-reasons-not-to-stay-in-jail/