Jessica Ferraro: From Straight Inc. Survivor to Harvard Graduate
You know, like how it violated our most fundamental human rights, how it violated our, like we talk about our, our, our, you know, constitutional rights. Yeah, that was really meaningful for me to have some kind of acknowledgement that you know like this is wrong and I'm sorry, there's a survivor from my program, somebody that I knew, who had posted her story on your site.
Imagine being a teenager, promised care and support, but instead finding yourself in a nightmare. That's exactly what happened to Jessica Ferraro during her time at Straight Inc., an adolescent drug rehabilitation program notorious for its abusive practices. In this episode, Jessica dives deep into her harrowing experiences, sharing the grim reality behind the program's facade of help and recovery.
Jessica recounts how she was not only subjected to mistreatment but also forced to take responsibility for younger kids in the program, witnessing the same abuses she endured. The isolation and restraint tactics used by Straight Inc. left long-lasting scars, affecting her behavior patterns even today. Despite these traumatic experiences, Jessica's resilience led her to attend Harvard and achieve significant success. However, her story is a stark reminder of the fundamental rights violations that occurred and continue to affect survivors.
This episode is more than just a personal account; it's a powerful call to action. Jessica emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these abuses, sharing survivor stories, and advocating for reform in the rehabilitation industry. Her courage in speaking out serves as an inspiration for others who have faced similar struggles. For anyone interested in understanding the dark side of adolescent rehabilitation programs and the lasting impact of abuse, this episode is a must-listen.
Jessica's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the urgent need for change.