The Offender Perspective
In this section:
Every individual who wears a SCRAMx bracelet has a unique, personal story. But after SCRAMx becomes a part of so many diverse lives, the outcomes share these common themes.
What SCRAMx Means to Program Participants
The following quotations reflect the experiences that participants most frequently report from their time on SCRAMx*:
Security
While SCRAMx helps protect public safety, offenders also feel more secure while on the device, often referring to the experience as “life-saving.”
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“This product [SCRAMx] saved my life. If it were not for this program I would have lost my license, my job, my home, and my company car. I hope that programs like SCRAMx continue to grow nationally so that others may benefit as I have. Most importantly it has reinforced my commitment to never operate a vehicle with alcohol in my system, and I have not had a drink in over a year.”
SCRAMx Program Participant and Salesperson
Continuous Accountability
As a constant reminder to not drink, participants frequently think of SCRAMx as a personal coach and credit their bracelets for keeping them “on the straight and narrow.”
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“During the six months that I was monitored by SCRAMx, I knew that there was no way around it. If I drank, it would be detected and my probation violated. In the past, I was able to get around other systems and breathalyzers without much of a problem. SCRAMx was really helpful to me in the long run because I’m not drinking, and I probably would be otherwise.”
SCRAMx Program Participant
Awareness
When SCRAMx participants begin to see life clearly for what it can be – rather than the blur it used to be – they get “high” on a renewed sense of responsibility and self-worth.
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“Drinking only made my problems worse. SCRAMx plus meetings and counseling have strengthened me mentally to cope without a drink. My counselor said if all her clients had to wear SCRAMx, there would be fewer relapses and it would give clients more time to clear their minds. For me, I now have no desire to drink and have become a stronger and more positive person.”
SCRAMx Program Participant
Achievement
At first, many participants think they will “lose everything – friends, family, all of it” because they must wear SCRAMx. But once they near finish line, they start celebrating real gains rather than fearing imagined losses.
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“My first thought in the morning was about drinking, and I planned my whole day around booze . . . The SCRAMx bracelet took the obsession out of it. It controls what you cannot control yourself. I just got a job, my kids don’t see me passed out, my house is cleaner, and we have more money. SCRAMx forced me to do what I should have been doing all along, and I am actually proud of myself. I have not thought of it as a punishment, but as my savior.”
SCRAMx Program Participant
Financial Responsibility
By paying their SCRAMx program fees, clients literally invest in their own success which, for many, changes their outlook about how they spend their money.
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“I think the SCRAMx device is the best alternative to locking someone up . . . I don’t have a lot of income because of my health, but if I can come up with the money to drink, I can come up with the money for SCRAM services. If I can come up with the money for the monthly SCRAMx fees, anyone can!”
SCRAMx Program Participant and Former Company President
Friends and Family
SCRAMx enables participants to “see life from the other side of the fence” and envision themselves in better contexts. In turn, it lets the people in their lives embrace the positive changes these individuals begin to make.
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“Our son experienced many serious consequences from alcohol abuse. After 42 days of in-patient intensive care, he started drinking again and got into more physical and legal trouble, which led to SCRAMx . . . [Now] three months later he is clean and sober, in his best physical shape ever, has lost his anger; and realizes the waste of time, money, energy, and friendships that alcohol caused. He smiles ALL the time! As parents, it is finally nice to know that he is safe, alcohol- free, and happy.”
Mother of a SCRAMx Participant
A New Outlook
Even those participants who complain about SCRAMx admit that the program offers some undeniable upsides.
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“When offered [SCRAMx] as a monitoring option, I was not happy. But wearing the device has changed my attitude, especially since I am somewhat in the business. I believe this option gives an offender the best available means to the road to recovery and/or a disposition of their case that is also rehabilitative in nature.”
SCRAM x Participant and Attorney at Law
For more offender stories, download The Offender Perspective brochure now.
*Based on comments received from the SCRAMx Exit Survey
