My Name is Trisha Havel. I am 41 years old. I was sentenced to 27 months in prison for the distribution of a controlled substance after being caught with 50 grams of methamphetamine. ADHD has been a personal issue that I have struggled with in my life. Not having much research or historical data regarding the diagnosis, it was hard to understand what I was dealing with or struggling with in my lifetime. I would go to doctors asking for help with my ability to focus. Wondering what was wrong with me or not understanding the underlying conditions from which I suffered from. Many years passed by trying to find answers to my questions. As a single parent, I not only struggled with carrying health insurance that I could afford but finding the time or having the ability to attend doctor visits during the scheduled work day was an obstacle I also faced.
I was introduced to meth at one point in my time. It was a stimulant. In 2023, we have finally been able to understand that for an individual that suffers from ADHD, stimulants react opposite in effect for these individuals. Finally, I had found something that helped me focus, helped me calm, helped me be successful in my everyday being. I was a very highly functioning user. Meth became a solution to a lifetime issue of mine that became a necessity to have in order to function. I knew that without this I could not function. I tried to discuss this with the doctor, but they would label or judge me as a drug addict and not want to help the situation. So, therefore, I self-medicated for many years. Also, as a single mother, I did very well to provide for my son, balancing a full-time job and providing for him on my own. I was very good at hiding my drug use and didn’t realize that it had become a drug addiction that had become unmanageable in many ways. Every time I tried to stop using the substance, the universe would make it easier for it to become available.
I have been on pretrial for 3 years. I have not had an opportunity to ever go to drug rehab, and I just had a Rdap interview last week, so I am looking forward to learning about myself and the way my brain processes things and why my body reacts to meth the way it did. I am also hoping to get a better understanding of what tools and resources I can utilize to address this in the future instead of having to job around from doctor to doctor trying to understand my mind. I was sentenced to 27 months. Prior to coming to prison, I was taking Wellbutrin XL, which I truly believed was helping me in so many ways. Here in prison, I am not able to take this prescription. This first month here has been difficult because getting the medical staff to believe you or even want to hear what you have to say is a challenge. I do hope that I can continue to try and move forward in my success on my journey.
