In Drug Court, Some Find a Way Out of the Lifestyle

February 12,2013

For those who are arrested for a crime involving drug abuse, there is a potential œstep between leaving jail and before going to trial. A program called Drug Court...

In Drug Court, Some Find a Way Out of the Lifestyle

For those who are arrested for a crime involving drug abuse, there is a potential œstep between leaving jail and before going to trial. A program called Drug Court, which is offered in hundreds of counties, is the opportunity for the guilty person to undergo supervised and structured rehabilitation. By successfully completing the program, charges are dropped against the defendant and they are hopefully given a second chance at a drug free life.

The type of addicts admitted to drug court, range from the average marijuana user, to more serious drug users (users who use heroin and morphine as their drug of choice). As long as the arresting charges are not too serious and the defendant has not failed out of drug court in the past, the program is available should a judge deem it appropriate.

The program is intensely supervised by probation and bail officers. In or out-patient counseling is offered to those who need it and the entire process is under constant oversight by a judge who has the power to either pass a person through the system or remove them from the program and send them back to court.

The first of these programs was introduced in 1997. It was designed to not only cut down the number of drug related prison inmates, but to also help users find their way back to a clean and healthy lifestyle. One man interviewed was working toward completing the drug court program for two years. His path was not devoid of mistakes, but his hard work and dedication did end up paying off in the long run. œI've never worked harder in my life. He said, choosing not to release his name in the interview. He later commented that because of the help Drug Court gave him, he is now able to afford a car and apartment; before his addiction obstructed him from those necessities.

According to figures provided by a county probation office, since 1997, and out of 1843 participants in the drug court program, 922 have successfully graduated. An estimated 1.4 million in prison costs were saved in relation to those successes. A study done in 2001 also found that drug court participants in that same county had a re-arrest rate of 5.4% where those who did not participate had a 21.5% chance of re-arrest. Another satisfactory side to drug court was found in 2010, when 98% of those who graduated were employed, in school or both.

While drug court can help many to kick the habits that have brought them down in life, it should not be looked at as an easy way out. One judge commented that the program was as good as the dedication of the person using it. This meaning that will power, the desire to get clean and perseverance are essential for those in the program to graduate. It was not designed to allow people to slip under the radar and continue having an affiliation with drugs and the abuse of them, and should only be entered if a person is absolutely serious about œgetting clean.

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If you have any questions or concerns about finding the right drug rehab for you or your loved one, then please call Florida Center for Recovery“ counselors are standing by for free consultation. And for any information regarding prescription drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or addiction recovery and treatment services, you may reach us at:

Florida Center for Recovery “ Addiction Treatment Center: 1-800-960-5041 MyFloridaCenterforRecovery.com Â©

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MARK KILLAR

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