Not opinions. Patterns that show up in the research, again and again.
Structure reduces relapse risk and improves employment outcomes. People who keep stable wake/work/sleep times in the first 6 months show meaningfully lower recidivism.
Source: Visher et al., 'Returning Home' Urban Institute study (2008)
Stable employment in year one is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. The first job is rarely the career — it's the foundation.
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 'Employment of Persons Released from Federal Prison'
Social network composition predicts outcomes more than almost any other factor. You don't have to hate them — you just can't run with them.
Source: Bersani & Doherty, 'Desistance from Offending in the 21st Century' (2018)
Mentorship and peer support programs (e.g., The Last Mile, Defy Ventures alumni) consistently produce 30-50% reductions in re-incarceration.
Source: RAND Corporation evaluations of reentry mentorship programs
Untreated mental health and SUD are the leading drivers of relapse. Reaching out for help is not weakness — it's the strategy that works.
Source: SAMHSA, 'Principles of Community-based Behavioral Health Services for Justice-Involved Individuals'
People who write goals are significantly more likely to achieve them. Short, specific, measurable beats vague and inspirational every time.
Source: Matthews, Dominican University study on goal-setting (2015)
Self-compassion (not self-criticism) is linked to better behavior change. You can own what you did and still treat yourself like a human worth investing in.
Source: Neff & Germer, 'Self-Compassion in Clinical Practice' (2013)
