For fifteen years, Hayden Dougan’s life spiraled under the grip of addiction.
“I was an IV drug user for 15 years,” he shared. “I was absconding on parole for the 10th time and caught two trafficking fentanyl charges. I was headed to prison for the fifth time.” Homeless, hopeless, and lost, Hayden seemed destined to repeat a devastating cycle.
But instead of another prison sentence, Hayden was given a second chance—an opportunity through Lonoke County’s Peers Achieving Collaborative Treatment (PACT) Program, which allows participants to serve 120 days in jail before being released to a recovery house.
“I chose Next Step Recovery to be released to,” he said, not realizing then how profoundly that decision would change his life.
At first, Hayden admits he didn’t believe much would change.
“Honestly, I was just going to do my 10 months, get my license, and go back home,” he said. “I was full of doubt on whether it could work or if this was where I was supposed to be. It wasn’t until my sixth month that everything started making sense.”
The turning point came through witnessing others who had found freedom.
“Seeing people like Jimmy, Chelsea, and Crystal—people who had been through the same struggles—gave me hope that there’s a life outside of addiction,” he said. “That recovery is possible and life is worth living.”
Faith became the foundation for Hayden’s transformation.
“I battled a lot of self-doubt and was very insecure about my life. I never thought I would be worth anything,” he reflected. “I love that God is using all of my past as a way to live a positive future and to change others’ futures.”
Through the 12-Step process and the guidance of a sponsor, Hayden learned to face the secrets and shame that once fueled his addiction.
“It opened my eyes to the fact that there are people out there who did the same things as me and are living a better life. I don’t have to use over the mistakes I made.”
Today, Hayden serves as the Recovery Coordinator at Next Step Recovery, helping others walk the same path toward healing that once saved his life. His days are filled with purpose—assisting residents in obtaining identification, securing employment, attending meetings, and meeting their recovery goals.
There’s a way to live life outside of addiction—and it’s a beautiful life.Hayden Dougan
“You never know what you’re going to encounter day to day,” he said. “But being able to invest time in others and see their joy really does something for me. It makes me feel good to know that I have a hand in their recovery.”
Hayden’s past now fuels his ability to connect.
“We relate to each other,” he explained. “Ruining my life helped me relate and show them there’s another way to live.”
He also recognizes the crucial role the Smart Justice District Court Initiative plays in that process.
“Being able to have assistance is huge,” he said. “It takes so much stress off people’s plates and builds their confidence so they know they really can change.”
To Hayden, the Smart Justice District Court Initiative represents more than another program—it’s a strategy of hope and accountability.
“People need to face their mistakes, but Smart Justice shows there’s more than one way to teach lessons,” he said. “It gives you something to work toward, not just something to fear.”
For Hayden, the collaboration between the Smart Justice District Court Initiative, Next Step Recovery, and the courts is life-changing.
“Instead of throwing me back in prison where nothing would have changed, I got a chance to be a positive member of the community. I’m working on my GED, I have my license, and I’m serving in my community. These opportunities are available to everyone.”
When asked what he would say to someone struggling today, Hayden’s message is simple: “Reach out. Get help. It’s never too late. Just because you’re facing something doesn’t mean your life is ruined. There’s a way to live life outside of addiction—and it’s a beautiful life.”
Success, for Hayden, now looks completely different.
“In the past, success was getting high, making sure my dealer answered the phone, hoping my car worked,” he said. “Now, it looks like working full time, being an active member in church, being a positive role model, and being responsible.”
To the judges and state leaders who make the Smart Justice District Court Initiative and programs like PACT possible, Hayden offers heartfelt gratitude.
“I’m living proof that alternative sentencing is worth having,” he said. “It lets defendants get that sense of purpose back. You still have to right your wrongs, but there are different ways to do that. If you want it, it’s possible—it just takes work.”
From addiction and incarceration to leadership and faith, Hayden Dougan’s journey is a powerful reminder of redemption, resilience, and the life-changing impact of second chances. His story stands as a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets accountability—and when someone decides to believe that change is worth the effort.
Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges.
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