"Prior to my entry into Drug Court my drug abuse was out of control and my life was in a downward spiral, destined to combust at any moment. My drug abuse created barriers in education, loss of jobs due to punctuality, destroyed relationships between friends and family, lowered my self-esteem and created short-term memory loss. But I can see that as the drugs disappeared, so did the terrible things that were happening. I had a lot of anxiety over wanting to use drugs. I didn't want to admit it and I felt confused and depressed. I learned that the best way to deal with panic is to talk about it with people who understand. That brings the stress level right down....I liked the support I got from everyone in the court process. Even when I was down and out you guys were still there with your best intentions for me. Drug Court picked me up off the street and helped me get my head back together...I used to play by the rules because of external reasons. Now I have internal reasons to sty clean--I don't want to hurt my family, I don't want to set a bad example or lose respect for myself. Now my projects, my work take the place of drugs. Ya know, Life is really good today. I can actually say I am happy and it's been a long time since I could say that..."
 
 
 

"I used to feel paranoia and anxiety. If I wanted to iron a shirt, I had to drink a beer first. To walk to the store to buy more beer, I had to drink a beer. I couldn't do anything without alcohol.  I learned in treatment how to cope with anxiety.  The anxiety has left me. I turned it over...It's gone...In nine months of drug court I never missed an appointment.  The better I did, the easier the schedule got.  it still wasn't easy, since I worked full-time all throughout drug court.  Making it in drug court shows me what I am capable of...I've beginning to learn how to ask for and accept help... "
 
 

"The biggest change is Saturday mornings. I used to not want to see anyone, the drapes were closed. I was hung over, destroyed.  Now I get up and I go to groups. Sometimes the groups work; Sometime they stink.  But being up and around and seeing the day evolve, that's good.  I see what's good in life and in nature unfolding now that I'm not drunk."
 
 

"In what way was drug court good?  It gave me a chance after I was convicted to be in the world and not in jail while getting well.  I could work at my business, be with my family, while getting better.  Even though I had been convicted, I was treated like a human being. The scheduling was tough but there is enough time in the day to fit it all in if you are geared toward getting a good life. Once I accepted my addiction, I learned to be more open, more outgoing, caring and friendly, being in groups. Others in the groups had the courage to get up and talk about changing their lives.  I decided I could too.I did everything drug court asked of me and I'm done.  I'm a better person now--I accept myself physically, mentally, spiritually..."
 

"Freedon is not found in the things you like to do; freedom is found in doing what is right. Make the right decision. Drug Court--it will be the hardest thing you ever do, but it is worth the effort."
 

"Before Drug Court I was literally dead. Through drug court I got my GED. I have new friends, I have a new life. I'm not on Public Assistance. I had a baby born alcohol and drug free."
 

"Before drug court I was unable to think about anything other than how I was going to drink or drug every day. I'd been high all the time and drunk some of the time since I was 17. I had never been sober. I was preoccupied with how to get money for today's dope; preoccupied with emptiness.I didn't think it was affecting me like it was."
 

"Coming in I was angry at this program. Now I realize I was angry at myself...I got my driver's license back. I've gotten a job. I'm signed up to start community college in the Fall. I'm finally moving forward. I completed vocational training and am now working full time. I cleared up my criminal record by completing drug court."
 

"My life is different today--I used to hide in my house after I got my day's drugs and alcohol. I was a prisoner in my own home. It is so much better to go places with my head held high and without a lot of baggage. Now I visit people who used to duck me because I was a user."
 

"I have created a total change in myself--my thinking is clearer and I have become a better parent. Most of all I have learned to love myself. I'm proud of who I have become. Relatives and community members are interested in me and my kids today. I surround myself now with positive people. Recovery is the best way of life for me."