Interview with Nicola Maranzano on the Issue of Meth Use in Robertson County, Tennessee

 

Interview with Nicola Maranzano on the Issue of Meth Use in Robertson County, Tennessee

Sarah Ketron, B.A. Psychology, AAC

Background: Cpl. Nicola Maranzano has had the role of billing and sentencing within the Robertson County Detention facility for over 10 years. In addition to creating annual reports regarding statistics of populations present in the jail, Maranzano works closely with county and state efforts to support those suffering from Substance Use Disorder. 

Q: Tell me about the issue of meth use in Robertson County and which areas are most effected.

Maranzano: The town of Springfield is very affected, for example, meth use is associated with incarceration up to 50-60% of inmates. 

(What have been the stats in previous years?) 

Maranzano: That statistic was as low as 2-3% in 2013.

Q: How does meth addiction develop and what are the effects of meth use for the person using it?

Maranzano: Generally individuals begin using meth as a cheap alternative to heroin or a pill addiction; what they're seeking is the euphoria that meth use brings. The effects vary a lot from person to person, but some of the more common shorter symptoms are sweating, heart palpitations, auditory and visual hallucinations, agitation, a feeling of indestructibility, loss of impulse control and a manic state. Use longer term can result in things like sores on the body, staph, MRSA, and hepatitis. Other effects can be weight loss, tooth decay, and an increased risk of infection can put stress on organs. Mental health conditions that are there may worsen, and it can lead to psychosis and trouble keeping employment or social connections.

Q: How are the people in Robertson County effected individually, in families, and in the larger community?

Maranzano: On the individual level, there's a higher risk of incarceration, unkempt appearance, homelessness, and petty crimes. With families, it can vary a lot. A person's family may actually be how they started using meth in the first place, or in other cases their family may want nothing to do with the person. Communities are affected by higher crime rates, decreased property values, and a higher burden on welfare programs. For neighbors or people living in close proximity of a home where meth is being made, it can directly affect the health of the people nearby. Especially in apartment complexes. Ironically, because of unsustainability and abuse of the systems, sponsors of social programs may pull out of supporting the population in an area. 

Q: What are the current efforts being made to address the meth use problem in the area, and what treatments are available?

Maranzano: There is more flexibility than there used to be to help people with SUDs by offering rehabilitation opportunities instead of jail time. Depending on the case, inmates can be referred out for treatment. Robertson County Detention Facility also has what's called Drug Court which is a long term monitoring program assisting individuals who are working towards sobriety. Drug court can assist in things like physical health treatments to ease withdrawal symptoms, regular drug testing, and access to all resources the person may need to have the opportunities they need. We use a wealth of resources including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, local rehabilitation clinics, and other programming. Drug Court increases life skills; we perform risk-needs assessments and build protective factors. Some examples of that are providing parenting classes, supporting them in getting their driver's license back, support navigating the foster program for reunification, and education, like earning a GED.

Q: What are the successes of efforts made in Robertson County to assist inmates.

Maranzano: I would say the success of Drug Court is about 20%. Generally short-term users are more likely to graduate from drug court. Those who graduate generally feel a strong sense of pride and may even become mentors.

(How long does the process generally take?)

Maranzano: The process really depends on the person. It can take anywhere from a few months to years. I would say out of the graduates from the program, the process is generally about a year, or a year and a half. 

Q: What is your take on how meth use is presented in the media? What do you wish people knew about meth use?

Maranzano: We've all heard of that stereotype, right? Meth users are "hillbillies" with dental issues. It's a harmful narrative because in truth it does disproportionately affect those of lower socioeconomic status. The media gets it wrong in that meth users are not as irredeemable as they are portrayed. When individuals are incarcerated, they generally want to get clean. Consider that addictions run in families and SUDs are strongly connected to their environment. It is very difficult to keep sobriety when surrounded by that temptation. When people with SUDs come back to incarceration, they may feel they have disappointed the people and programs that supported them. These people want someone to be proud of them; they crave love and acceptance. The lack of support they feel in their lives make it that much harder to quit. What I wish people understood is that you don't live an entire life with addiction: you recover from it or it costs your life. Anyone can have a substance use disorder; a teacher, someone in your church, your neighbor, your friend. We must put resources towards helping these people, who would play important roles in our community if given the chance.

(What would you say to someone who says addiction is a choice?)

I would tell them to come to just one Drug Court graduation. People with substance use disorders are real people. There is never a singular choice to become addicted to a substance, it's a consequence of a series of choices. Understanding SUDs means understanding the lows people experience. That's hard for a lot of people to contend with.