33. Drug Treatment Court
Last week, I provided a brief overview of the circumstances that landed me in Drug Treatment Court (DTC). Initially, I was completely unaware of the existence of such a program tailored for individuals struggling with drug addiction and/or alcoholism while facing non-violent criminal charges. I’m extremely blessed (and grateful) to have had a lawyer who was familiar with DTC and was dedicated to securing my enrollment in the program. This opportunity offered me a lifeline to potentially mitigate or even dismiss the charges looming over me. The arresting officers charged me with a DUI (driving under the influence), leaving the scene of an accident, and several drug possession charges. However, the situation escalated further due to the substantial amount of Xanax in my possession at the time of my arrest, leading to the additional charge of intent to distribute a controlled substance, a class B felony. If convicted of the class B felony, intent to distribute a controlled substance, I was looking at a possible prison sentence. For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the criminal justice system, it's essential to understand that a class A felony is the highest-level offense, and my class B felony was dangerously close. As many of you are aware, bearing a criminal record is an enormous barrier to securing employment, regardless of the nature of the job sought. Consequently, DTC and the prospect of having my charges reduced or, better yet, dismissed, swiftly became a top priority of mine.
In a society where the vicious cycle of substance abuse and criminality continues to plague individuals and communities, DTCs offer a progressive and compassionate approach to addressing these intertwined issues. By emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment, these courts not only provide individuals with a chance to overcome their addiction but also contribute to public safety by reducing recidivism rates. While challenges and limitations exist, the overall success of DTCs points toward a more humane and effective way of achieving justice while fostering a profound personal transformation.
The primary objective of DTC is to divert nonviolent individuals grappling with substance abuse away from the conventional criminal justice system and towards specialized treatment programs tailored to address their addiction issues. This approach was built upon the recognition that addiction is a disease that requires medical AND therapeutic intervention rather than mere punishment. At the core of DTC lie foundational principles rooted in collaboration, accountability, and individualized treatment. These specialized courts bring together various stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment professionals, probation officers, and law enforcement officials, to work collaboratively in designing and monitoring treatment plans for participants. This process involves a regimen of regular court appearances, frequent drug testing, ongoing evaluations, and mandatory journaling, all of which collectively ensure participants are held responsible for their progress in treatment and their journey toward sobriety.
There are several integral components of DTC. Participants in the program undergo comprehensive assessments to determine the most suitable course of treatment, which may encompass various options such as detoxification, outpatient counseling, inpatient rehabilitation, or medication-assisted treatment. When I initially entered the DTC program, I had already completed a 21-day inpatient rehabilitation program directly after spending a week in jail. Subsequently, as a requirement of the DTC, I transitioned directly into an outpatient program where I attended hour-long group therapy sessions alongside fellow individuals grappling with addictions five days a week. Additionally, I was obligated to take part in one-on-one counseling sessions with a therapist who closely monitored and reported my progress in treatment to the DTC team.
The structure of DTCs can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, yet they generally adhere to a well-organized program that includes multiple phases. Participants advance through these phases based on their compliance with treatment plans, regular drug testing, and court appearances. In the DTC I participated in, there were three phases. In the initial phase, participants were mandated to attend court sessions weekly, where they would provide updates on their treatment progress and address any inquiries posed by the presiding judge. During the second phase, court attendance was reduced to once every two weeks, and in the third phase, participants were required to attend court monthly. Completion of the program was contingent upon meeting specific requirements, which typically included sustained sobriety, compliance with treatment, educational or vocational progress, and no criminal behavior.
Regular court appearances play a pivotal role in the effectiveness of the DTC program. This allows judges to closely monitor participants' progress, address any challenges, and provide essential positive reinforcement for milestones achieved. In my personal experience, I cannot help but express my admiration for the judge overseeing the DTC program I was fortunate enough to be a part of. His unwavering commitment to the program was indisputable, and it was evident that he harbored genuine concern for each individual under his supervision. This blend of compassion and firmness in his approach set the tone for our journey through the program. However, it's essential to highlight that the judge also wielded the authority to impose penalties such as jail sentences whenever necessary. This, in turn, served as a potent incentive for us to adhere rigorously to our treatment plans and attend group sessions unless we had a legitimate reason to miss them. Accountability is a cornerstone of the program's success. In addition to the judge's pivotal role, each participant was assigned a coordinator who maintained direct contact with our counselors from treatment. These coordinators played a crucial role in our rehabilitation journey by providing the judge with detailed updates on our progress. Personally, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the coordinator that I did. Much like the judge, she demonstrated an unwavering dedication to our success. Her genuine care and commitment to our well-being extended beyond the program, as she earnestly wished to see us thrive not only within the DTC program but also in life.
We routinely underwent both scheduled and surprise drug tests to uphold our commitment to maintaining sobriety. These tests were predominantly conducted during our outpatient program sessions, but occasional spontaneous tests could be administered within the courtroom’s bathroom facilities. DTCs frequently join forces with community-based organizations to establish a strong support network that helps participants to successfully reintegrate into society. It was often encouraged that participants attend self-help groups such as NA or AA, coupled with a request to diligently record their attendance in a personal journal.
In the face of the complex issue of substance abuse, traditional punitive measures have proven inadequate in addressing the root causes of addiction and reducing recidivism. DTCs have emerged as a progressive alternative that aims to break the cycle of substance abuse and criminal behavior by emphasizing rehabilitation over incarceration. These specialized court programs combine elements of the criminal justice system with a focus on treatment, support, and accountability, offering a more holistic approach to tackling addiction-related crimes. Research into the effectiveness of DTCs has yielded promising results. A study conducted by the National Institute of Justice found that participants in DTCs were 35% less likely to be arrested again than those processed through traditional court systems.
I’m blessed to be a part of that 35%.
And remember, if you’re struggling, or know someone who is struggling, please don’t lose hope. If that had happened to me, I wouldn’t be able to help spread awareness today.
