Interview With Roy Colboune
Interview with Roy Colburne
Interview with Roy Colburne
First I want to say that your one of my hero’s Roy. Your one of the reasons that I went into in-patient treatment at the Freedom Ranch. I was at probably the lowest point in my life when I made that first phone call to the FR and you answered the call. You had excitement in your voice, you told me that you were proud of me, that I could do it. You told me how you were in the same position at one point in your life and that it was possible to change. You are also an inspiration to me and one of the reasons I want to be a Substance Abuse Counselor. So Thank You.
What is your current position :
ROY: I am a Registered Alcohol Drug Technician at the San Deigo Freedom Ranch. I;m also a certified Peer Support Specialists
Tell me a little about the Freedom Ranch;
ROY: The San Diego Freedom Ranch is an In patient Substance abuse facility in Campo CA. We are typically a 90 day program but stays can vary depending on each individuals needs.
How are you continuing your education
ROY: I am currently enrolled in San Diego City College. I there AOD program. After I complete that I will be a CADCC.
What inspired you to become a counselor:
ROY: I just wanted to give back. To help people like I was helped.
What are your long term goals in the Substance Abuse Field.
ROY:Right now our program is limited to about 90 days. It’s not enough time to help someone who has a disease that he will be dealing with for the resat of his life. I want to help create more long term solutions. Better housing and apartment solutions for people who are trying to do the right thing.
Addiction isn’t something that can be cured in 90 days. We need to have some real long term solutions. Also, the percentage of people that actually stay clean and sober is very low, and I feel like there has to be a way where were giving people a better chance. Better odd’s.
What are some of the challenges that people in the black community might face when it comes to getting help with Alcohol and Drug abuse disorders.
ROY; Simply put, there are not a lot of facilities in those communities. So, a lot of the people in the community might not know of a program like Freedom Ranch or others because they typically are not found in those communities. No matter what your background getting into a treatment program can be difficult and I don’t want to make excuses for anyone for deciding not to get treatment. People suffering need to know that help is available, but you have to want to change your life.
It seems to me that a lower percentage of people from the Black Community have been given the opportunity for treatment programs instead of prison sentences. Do you think that’s accurate and why?
ROY: Historically people in the black communities have been given longer prison terms. I mean, there’s people I know who’ve done 20 years for marijuana. Of course, there is some systematic oppression of some marginalized groups in America. But that’s one thing that we’re trying to change. But yeah, I see it all the time. One guy gets a slap on the wrist, and another guy goes to prison for the same thing. It’s definitely a problem.,
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