Jackson Day Reporting Center Holds Friends And Family Day

JACKSON – Tuesday night the Jackson Day Reporting Center (DRC) held its quarterly “Friends and Family” event.  The program was designed to serve as an educational and informational event for the family and friends of those currently enrolled in the DRC.  Some of the topics focused on addiction and how families can provide support and assistance to those suffering from addiction.

The attendees listened to presentations by DRC counselors and staff.  The featured speaker was William Warr, a Correctional Counselor at West Tennessee State Penitentiary.  Mr. Warr is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, a Baptist preacher and a former addict.  Warr shared his life experience of formerly having a substance use issue and how he overcame addiction by redirecting his life.  “It is our job to redirect behaviors and lure you to change the way you think,” shared Mr. Warr.  He goes on to add, “Recovery is something you’re going to have to learn to do. This is an opportunity.”

Program Director Henry Holiday said addiction is complex and to be effective, treatment must have a component focusing on family reunification.  According to Mr. Holiday, “For family and friends of drug & alcohol addicted individuals, addressing the addiction is one of the most difficult aspects of helping the addicted person.  Often family members choose to ignore the problem for fear of pushing their loved one away during a confrontation or intervention.  So as part of our Family and Friends Event, we attempt to get family members involved in a positive way by helping them to understand addiction, becoming a pivotal support system and recognize achievements.”

Participants who completed Phase 1 of programming were presented with certificates of completion, and graduated to Phase 2. The Day Reporting Center is a 9-12 month, three-phase intensive program that focuses primarily on substance use, job skills, family reunification, and behavioral and social programs, all with an emphasis on accountability and self-discipline.  The Tennessee Department of Correction operates six DRC’s across the state.