Alaska Legislature Hearing on SB54

MIA BERZANSKE, representing herself, said she has been an addict for 10 years and her first conviction was a class B felony in 2014. She went to jail for a year and has three years of probation. When she relapsed her probation was transferred to Juneau and she was placed in the PACE program. She was given a couple of chances and is now a leader in the recovery community.
CHAIR COGHILL asked her to explain how the PACE program worked when she relapsed.
MS. BERZANSKE credited the PACE program with giving her chances when she relapsed instead of putting her in jail.
CHAIR COGHILL asked if the treatment has been effective.
MS. BERZANSKE replied it made a huge difference. When she relapsed in December, she was given treatment at Rainforest Recovery. Now she lives at Haven House and has found the peer support crucial in her recovery.
CHAIR COGHILL thanked Ms. Berzanske and commented that she is a good example of the value of accountability and services.