Pubdate: Tue, 27 Dec 2005
Source: Observer, The (NM)
Copyright: 2005 Rio Rancho Observer.
Contact:  http://www.observer-online.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2299
Author: Tom Treweek, Observer, staff reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)

COUNTY DRUG COURT FOCUSES ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE DANGER

In 2003, drug use caused 342 deaths in New Mexico,  according to the 
Office of National Drug Control  Policy.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation cited 4,747  repeat DWI 
offenders last year. In 2005, Sandoval  County instituted an adult 
drug court to stem the  continued danger of drug and alcohol abuses 
within its  borders.

Ten people have already enrolled in the drug court  program since it 
began on July 1, and director Chris  Weaver said he has room for two 
more. Each participant  is obligated to remain in the program for a 
minimum of  one year, during which time he or she 
undergoes  "frequent drug testing and therapeutic treatment, 
not  only for substance abuse, but also in other aspects of  each 
participant's life."

The program is for those convicted of drug or alcohol  felonies, 
including a forth or subsequent DWI. No one  with a violent felony 
record, however, is eligible,  because of requirement for federal 
funding, which the  drug court is hoping to obtain.

"(The length of time) varies from case to case," Weaver  said. "Some 
need more."

A 25-year probation officer, Weaver said personal  attention is a 
"very strong factor" in a client's  recovery, all of which is provided by him.

Although the program tries to promote behavior change  through 
regular testing, meetings with 13th District  judges Louis McDonald 
and George Eichwald, and  intensive counseling, there are swift 
sanctions if clients violate the rules, Weaver said. 
Participants  may be ordered to perform community service if 
they  miss a therapy session or are sentenced to jail time  for a 
positive drug test.

In addition, each participant must maintain employment,  attend 
school, or perform volunteer work while in the  program.

"We find activity keeps one's mind off wanting to use  (drugs or 
alcohol)," Weaver said.

The drug court program itself also keeps participants  busy, with 
judges meeting with them weekly. But the  program has to be difficult 
in order to encourage  people to alter their behavior.

"It's pretty tough to ask people to curtail their  lifestyle and make 
some changes," Weaver said.

One of the keys to helping people change, Weaver said,  is 
encouraging self-esteem in the participants, which  is often lacking. 
Part of the program is delving into  the reasons someone began to 
abuse drugs or alcohol in  the first place, which is often a 
difficult task, as self-esteem in not the only factor that led 
to  substance abuse; it can be for a "combination of  reasons, and 
some of them are not totally revealed  until after they are in the 
program," Weaver said.

So far, it seems to be working.

"I see a lot of progress in these people," he said.  "After 25 years 
of running probation, to see some of  the progress is gratifying."

The support of family and friends also goes a long way  in aiding a 
participant's success, Weaver said, but the  final responsibility is 
on the individual.

"People have to want to change," Weaver said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman