Anthony Ruffo, former pro-surfer, thinks so.
Mr. Ruffo has been clean from methamphetamines for nearly a year. He continues to participate in drug rehabilitation. He now works with other recovering addicts, even hosting a weekly support meeting in the house where he once dealt drugs for one of California’s most violent street gangs.
Former professional surfer and legend of the Santa Cruz surfing community, Ruffo had the life many surfers only dream of: lucrative corporate sponsorships, photo shoots, beautiful women, and opportunities to surf around the globe. Yet, his accomplishments as a professional surfer have been marred by a 15-year addiction to meth and numerous run-ins with the law.
A recent New York Times story features Ruffo’s fall from grace, and attempt to regain his life:
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Mr. Ruffo, 48, admits he once sold meth in partnership with a violent Latino street gang, the Norteños. His story illuminates meth’s destructive march through Santa Cruz in recent years, reaching into a surfing community associated more with vitality and communion with the natural world than with drugs. [Continued...]
In 2005, Mr. Ruffo was convicted of possession of drugs for sale and sentenced to probation and a 12-step treatment program. He said he stopped dealing after getting out of rehab but was unable to shake his addiction. In July 2010, the police raided his home and found an ounce of nearly pure meth with a street value of about $3,000. Mr. Ruffo said the drugs did not belong to him.
Mr. Ruffo still possesses the lithe, deeply tanned body of a professional surfer. His bright blue eyes flashed as he described his recovery, which is being chronicled in a documentary. Citing his sobriety of 11 months, and his work aiding other addicts, he is seeking a plea agreement that will keep him out of prison. [New York Times]
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Understandably, much of the public doubts Ruffo’s commitment to staying clean. He avoided prison time before, and relapsed. This could easily be a PR scam to stay out of jail. Moreover, his time in recovery and service to other addicts does not excuse his past behavior. No amount of clean time or work with addicts will fully lessen the severity of his previous actions as a drug dealer. Not only did he help a violent gang prosper, he contributed to a terrible drug problem plaguing Santa Cruz. He should be held accountable for past crimes.
Still, wouldn’t incarcerating Ruffo (and so many others in recovery in similar predicaments) be counterproductive?
Ruffo is now a useful (and sober) member of society. It also appears that legitimate medical professionals believe that he is capable of maintaining sobriety. Ruffo will not be able to help others or get real treatment while behind bars. Perhaps the courts could consider alternatives to prison that hold Ruffo accountable, but still allow for the positive change in his life to continue.
These alternatives include, but are not limited to, long-term rigorous treatment, routine drug tests, monetary restitution, and community service. Even if all these options are used, it will be of much less cost to taxpayers than incarceration. Justice and rehabilitation do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Related:
A Surfing Legend Conquers Addiction, but Prison May Lie Ahead: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/07/us/a-surfing-legend-conquers-addiction-but-prison-may-lie-ahead.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&sq=addiction&st=cse&scp=1&adxnnlx=1318205394-w57xtN9qIVPaL2wsZL7IZQ
Rock bottom and back: http://espn.go.com/action/surfing/news/story?page=anthony-ruffo-rock-bottom-and-back
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