I have been a correction officer for 19 years. During that time, I have seen and done many things in the job, as I am sure you know. Working "in the trenches" for my entire career has put me in touch with all the realities, good and bad, the job has to offer! I have seen my share, done my share, and now it is time to share.

In November of 1995 I personally experienced much of the feelings portrayed in this article. After enduring years of unvented and untreated stress and depression I came to a dead end in both my personal life and my career. It was only a matter of time before I either quit the job or was terminated. I was completely withdrawn from my wife, family and friends. Although I was in treatment it was with a professional with no knowledge of our working environment or the stresses put on our families. His treatment was to medicate the problems without attempting to address them. What I was doing was substituting alcohol with prescribed medicines. That November I was introduced to a Psychologist via my union vice president. This professional was well educated in the back ground of law enforcement personnel and their families. He's showed me how to take a positive approach to handling the stresses, anxieties, depressions and everyday problems I face at work and at home. Because of his guidance and dedication to law enforcement I 've had many opportunities opened to me. My department approached me to help in forming an Employee Assistance Program., and the Doctor himself, Dan Goldfarb, has given me the opportunity to write this column for The Heavy Badge.

Lest I paint to easy of a picture let me assure you that recovery does take work. The guidance from the professional is helpful. It puts you on the right road, but nobody is going to actually do the walking for you!! I have walked that road now for long time. But you never really get there. Twelve step programs allow you the opportunity to keep moving. You never graduate. But you do move to better and better places. I know I have.                                                                Mark