LETTER: Facing addiction's impacts

Hello, my name is Jakkob McCallin. I’m 28 years old and I’m from Ephrata, Wash. I’m currently incarcerated at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, Wash., for multiple burglaries and thefts I committed in 2022 throughout the county to fuel my addiction to fentanyl. 

Addiction will most likely affect all of us at some point in our lives, whether by a first-hand experience, or second-hand by a friend or loved one or in some other manner that negatively impacts our lives. This is what I’d like to talk about; this is what I’d like to share with the public. I’m laying bare to you my story in hopes of helping someone, anyone, whose life is being plagued by the vile tendrils of addiction in any shape or form. 

I’m a person who has dealt with the negative consequences of addiction both in a second-hand experience when I was young, from my parents (both of whom I, unfortunately, lost to addiction) and also a first-hand experience when I eventually became addicted. As someone used to hurting his own mind and body with substances, I never considered the lives around me I was hurting as well, from my loved ones to my community. My path of self-destruction affected much more than myself. For this, I am truly sorry to those who were caught in my storm. 

I don’t want to make this just about me, though. I just wanted to show that I am very familiar with the demon of addiction. To those who have a loved one struggling with addiction, there is a line between enabling someone’s behavior – thinking you’re being there for them but really just feeding that addiction – and setting up too thick a boundary – outright ignoring them and their problem. I’m not a substance use disorder professional, so I can’t give any further advice than that. But I would encourage you to seek professional help for your loved one before it’s too late.  

To those struggling with addiction themselves, just know there’s always hope. I’ve been where you are, far too many times. When everyone turns their back because you’ve burnt your last bridge, it’s painful in so many ways. Trust me, I know. I got lucky and came to prison before I could overdose and never come back. So, before those become your only options – prison or death – seek help. There are so many resources for us now. 

I fear addiction will always be a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be a part of your life. Please be vigilant to the signs. Put forth a determined effort to cur this out of your or a loved one’s life.  

Advocate, educate and understand. Together we might just make a difference and save some lives. 

Jakkob McCallin
Washington State Penitentiary
Walla Walla