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Beyond Bars

Beyond Bars: Addiction is a complicated phenomenon with no universal solution

The word “addict” is used in different ways to mean different things. I feel like there are misconceptions out there and with good reason.Addiction is a complicated phenomenon with no universal solution. And just right there, I used the word “addiction” when talking about the confusion ...

Beyond Bars: Struggling to find a routine, motivation on the other side

Someone recently asked me if I could go wherever I would like on a vacation, where would it be. I blurted out the first thing that popped into my head: prison, specifically to the exact place I was living just six months ago. He asked why, and I told him I would like to visit a friend who is ...

Beyond Bars: My views on earning, spending money have changed since prison

It’s official: The Utah State Tax Commission informed me of their decision to uphold the denial of my sales license by the Department of Motor Vehicles Enforcement Division. I may reapply when I have completed parole.My opinions on earning a living and money has changed quite a bit since ...

Beyond Bars: The failure of Utah prison’s substance abuse treatment programs

This is an article I wrote over a year ago while I was still in prison. I was reticent to share this at the time for fear of retribution by staff members within the prison. I apologize for the length; though, I still don’t feel this adequately details the corruption involved. I usually try to ...

Beyond Bars: Getting sick is different when you’re a parolee

So I got pretty sick this week, and it’s a little different when you are a parolee. I can’t just take some Nyquil and go to sleep. Nyquil contains alcohol and therefore I cannot use it.In fact, I can’t even protect others around me by lugging around hand sanitizer. My mother asked if I ...

Beyond Bars: My responsibility is to succeed, no matter the challenges

I have a hearing on Wednesday. I am appealing the decision by the state of Utah to deny me an automobile sales license. Specifically, the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division (MVED) of the <a href="https://tax.utah.gov/" target="_blank">Utah State Tax Commission</a> ...