My name is Ken Larson and I am a recovered 30 year drug and alcohol user. I am recovered only because a judge believed in me and let me go to a drug rehab. All my life I was in and out of jail never getting the help I needed. I did not wake up one day at 12 years old and say “I think I want to be an addict when I grow up.” I do not think any of us do. Because of people that believed in me and did not treat me as a Monster under the bed, I am a strong pillar of hope and that we do recover from a hopeless state of mind and body. In Alamogordo I have been a part of helping start Crystal Meth support groups, community forums, I speak in schools, I am in a DVD that was done in New Mexico called Just 4 Teens, I am Vice Chair of my local collaborative 12 and I am a member of the Otero county health council, Otero county substance abuse awareness coalition. I believe in HB 441 because I have been there and done that and this is the change we need to see in New Mexico. The Drug Policy Alliance is also a big of part helping me focus on what my passion in life is, a reality based drug education and helping others. Our state is suffering from a serious fiscal crisis. Drug treatment will save New Mexico millions of dollars every year. House Bill 441 will offer substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration for people arrested for drug possession and drug-related probation and/or parole violations.

A few points to ponder:
• Offenders need treatment.
• This legislation will make communities safer.
• We need to break the cycle of addiction.
• Treatment will not be more expensive.
• People will get treatment from appropriate, community-based treatment services.

Thanks for your time and please help make a difference in my life and others just like me that want help and not to be locked up, have a great day!
Ken Larson
1143 San Miguel
Alamogordo, New Mexico 88310
575-442-5668