Drug Court - A Perspective From One of CAM's Volunteers
September 26, 2008
In observance of National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Recovery Month, with this year’s theme, Real People, Real Recovery, I am compelled to share my recent visit to the Gordon County Drug Court with the citizens of Calhoun and Gordon County. To say the least, it was a very heartwarming experience. We are so fortunate and blessed to have a treatment court such as this; not every county has that option. I am an active volunteer for Citizens Against Meth and Other Addictive Substances (CAM). This has given me an opportunity to meet many good people, who have made bad choices. This has taken them down the lonely road of addiction. Their families are left devastated! Their stories are heart wrenching and very real. These men and women are hopeless, desperate, and looking for help from their illness. Prison is staring them in the face. Drug Court holds them accountable for their actions in a long-term outpatient treatment program.
My visit was on September 19, 2008: Gordon and Bartow Counties have 20 participants in the Cherokee Judicial Drug Court. Thus far no relapses. This means every participant passed his or her weekly random drug test. Judge Scott Smith congratulated three participants for graduating to Phase II. This is granted when participants meet all requirements by the Drug Court Team, which includes a full time student status, or a job has been secured.
In talking with Melissa Knight, Drug Court Coordinator, jobs are hard to find for these people. Melissa stated, “We need businesses to give the people a chance to be productive citizens.” “Because of the tough requirements from Drug Court, these addicts are model employees.” “We need our community’s support.”
Judge Smith was quick to recognize participant’s accomplishments and told each participant how proud he was of him or her. He congratulated one participant on becoming a grandmother. She was very grateful for the opportunity given to her by the court to experience true joy without being high on drugs. Judge Smith congratulated one participant on her recent marriage; one participant was given a makeover as an incentive (what a boost to her self-esteem!); one participant put in a request to the team to attend an NA Retreat. The request was granted, but when the participant realized it was his weekend to have his children, he declined. Parental responsibility was noted and participant was praised by the court; honesty from one participant got an “at-a-boy” from Judge Smith. This participant requested to sit with a sick sister at the hospital. Permission was granted with close monitoring; Judge Smith wisely advised one participant that had worked so hard in the program, to relax a bit and embrace the program; one participant was granted a request to attend the Make-A-Wish Foundation, extending curfew from 10:00pm to 12:00pm.; one participant in phase II was recognized for working two jobs. Then there are sanctions: seven participants were instructed by Judge Smith to find a job in 1 week or their free time on the weekends will be served in jail until a job is found.
Three Gordon County inmates were presented for induction. One inductee was there for shoplifting, one for possession of meth and marijuana and one for possession of marijuana while on probation. Judge Smith stated, “This is a tough program.” “If you are here just to get out of jail, you will fail miserably.” “If you want to change your life, this is the best way in the world that I know of to do it.” “We are here to help you when we can, punish you when necessary and pick you up when you fall.” As I sat listening, I could only think of the positive impact on the addict’s future generations. Children’s lives will be changed. The destructive cycle from one generation to another will stop because of this program.
It cost $45.00 per day to house inmates. With 23 participants, that is saving the taxpayers of Gordon County $1035.00 per day. Each Drug court participant pays $35.00 per week to offset the cost of the program. The Drug Court will save additional taxpayer money by eliminating some repeat offenders.
Attendance from the community and officials is encouraged by the Drug Court Team. Judge Smith recognized Commissioner Dick Gordon for his attendance. Drug Court is held every other Friday in Gordon County at the Court House Annex at 10:00. Please visit www.citizensagainstmeth.org to learn more about substance abuse and recovery. Let us all join and support this proven and successful program. This greatly needed program of our Judicial System is working to help others.
Jan Hammond