Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
380309 tn?1246467740

would like to touch base with a comrad suffering the pains of the Scram torture device.

Would very much like to hear in more detail just what you are and have been going thru, believe me I'm sure I can relate and theres probrably more of us. Can't wait to chat!
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
554039 tn?1216853631
It's the vendor's who push these things on the state.....trust me on this one.  They can't understand the nature of alcoholism, if they think the SCRAM or anything other than a desire not to drink that outweighs the desire to drink keeps us sober.  I was in rehab with a woman who wanted to get her kids back more than anything in the world, and she was a great mom (4 girls at age 26) but the night before she was to go to court to get them back, she used meth because a "friend" stopped by and had some.  She knew she'd get busted and would have to wait 6 months for another hearing, but that's how strong addiction is.  She had been clean for 9 months when I saw met her in rehab, but the state wouldn't give her the kids back until she completed rehab.  How much sense does that make?  I tell you what, if she hadn't been such a sweet girl, she would have been hated, because at the time, none of us could even IMAGINE being clean and sober for 9 months -- she was the sanest person in rehab, by far. And the state of Florida was paying the full cost of her rehab, even though by the time a "state" slot opened up, she didn't need rehab at all. Once she had a husbandectomy, she was well on her way to recovery.  And that's how our state tax dollars are spent.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Urine tests for EtG (an alcohol bi-product) detect alcohol consumption for 5 days (according to the manufacturer) but have been known to detect it 9 days after consumption.  If one randomly tests weekly (at 25% of the SCRAM cost) it would be just as effective.  Hey even 2x a week, every 4th day, still 1/2 the price.  And no physical discomfort or personally humiliating medieval tether.  So, why isn't that option available?  I'm guessing financial revenue, personal inconvenience and humiliation are SUB-GOALS of the process.  I've offered the 2x/week testing and been refused.  Why is that?  What is the advantage of the SCRAM for law enforcement?  It makes them money and reminds you every minute of the day that you are a criminal.
Helpful - 0
380309 tn?1246467740
I could not agree w/u more! However perhaps today will be a freedom day 4 me and set a precedent for us wearers who are suffering. There was no victim in my case either (Thank God) and I do understand that I must pay 4 my mistakes, and I also agree with the concept of this contraption. However I do not believe it should come down to physical torture at ones own financial expense. If they want to monitor 1's alcohol consumption then they definitly need to do more research and come up with a device that is painless and affordable. If I may be nosy without invading your privacy what was your profesion. I completely understand if u choose not to answer. How long have U been ordered to wear this?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My mind always wakes up first.  WIthout opening my eyes, sounds from the house start filtering in...followed by an immediate cognition of pain in my ankle that snakes all the way up my leg to my lower back.  I've never said those word aloud.   Nor wrote them down.  Because I have a homicidal reaction to the phrase, "At least you're not in jail!"  And, that's always the response, isn't it?

Also on house arrest, the isolation is causing a rapid deterioration in my sense of well-being.  I can not work in my profession with the restrictions imposed and now make a living researching and writing from my home.  It does not pay all the bills, especially the $400 SCRAM fee every month.

I hate this.  Frankly, I feel strongly that our justice system is held hostage by special interest victim groups.  I know that is an unpopular statement but I will stand by it.  Our system does everything in it's power to carry out acts of vengeance.  Not treatment.  Not rehabilitation.  Vengeance.  Sit in a courtroom for any amount of time and you will hear repeated references to "what the victim wants."  What the victim wants is not always to the benefit of society as a whole. (There was no victim in my case but there is a special interest group.)

I believe in consequences and a price for everything.  But disproportionate retribution without gain is another thing.



Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Alcoholism Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
Nebulae, OH
3060903 tn?1398565123
Other
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.