Pubdate: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 Source: Register-Guard, The (OR) Copyright: 2001 The Register-Guard Contact: http://www.registerguard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/362 Author: Joli M. Hassing Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) DRUG COURT SAVES LIVES Just over a year ago, I was arrested, jailed, and given the opportunity to participate in the Lane County Drug Court program. I was seriously addicted to drugs. I needed help to get clean and sober, but I didn't know how to ask for it. My mother drove from Eastern Oregon to see about getting me remanded to the Drug Court program, which consisted of at least a year in extensive treatment overseen by Judge Darryl Larson. I went kicking and screaming, although I desperately wanted recovery. In the last year, I have learned to welcome change, for I have learned that it often brings brighter days. I owe my life to the program, and will forever be grateful to it for giving me back to me. Today, I am clean and sober. I take full responsibility for my thoughts. I am in control of my destiny. I have drive, stamina and a winning attitude, and I owe it all to the Drug Court program and Judge Larson. I recently graduated the program, and am now treasurer of the Drug Court Life Alumni Association. Larson often sits in on our meetings and helps direct us. He offers a new perspective, a guiding hand and a caring heart. He is very passionate about the Drug Court program, and what we as alumni do to help carry on the message. Larson deserves a handshake from the community - he is putting forth his best effort to clean up the streets. To him drug addicts are people who deep inside are longing to be freed from their addiction, just as I was a year ago. Although some don't succeed, the numbers of those who do well outweigh those who don't, and the alumni association is helping make those numbers bigger still. We in the alumni association are grateful to Larson, and are proof that together we can all be successful. We commit to helping him help others along the way. Joli M. Hassing Creswell - --- MAP posted-by: Andrew