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Program Offers Life Without Addiction: Man, 75, Finishes Drug Court

Posted on: Friday, 31 March 2006, 09:00 CST

By George B, The Monterey County Herald, Calif.

Mar. 31--More than 100 people looked on as Monterey County Superior Judge Larry Hayes called forward the sharp-dressed gentleman in the houndstooth coat, cream colored sweater and matching gold tie. William Jackson, 75, had successfully completed the county's drug treatment court.

"One thing I'd like to say," was all Jackson could get out before he choked up and broke into tears. The crowd watched quietly. Someone said softly, "It's all right. We can wait."

Jackson composed himself and got out six more words before breaking down again.

"This program has saved my life," he said.

With his right hand, Jackson reached down and patted the thick braids of hair of his great-grand daughter, 4-year-old Breajana, barely as tall as his waist and oblivious to the ceremony.

Jackson was one of four people to graduate from the county's drug treatment court in a rare public ceremony that kicked off National Drug Court Month.

The standing-room-only ceremony took place inside the old county supervisors chambers. County officials connected to the program were present for the ceremony.

"We're all working toward the same goals. We want to keep people out of prison and give them a second chance at life," said drug court coordinator Tabatha Weeda.

What started as an alternative to prison for non-violent drug offenders in Miami in 1989 has blossomed into a popular approach to dealing with drug offenders. More than 1,700 drug courts exist in the United States today.

Participants in drug treatment court undergo a strict program for 18 months. Only nonviolent drug offenders can apply for the program. Once accepted, they undergo treatment and various programs, including 12-step programs, to move toward responsible, sober living. Participants must submit to regular drug and alcohol testing and pay for the cost of the program and their treatment.

Monterey County started its drug court in 1995.

Nearly 10 years later, Jackson found himself inside that court.

On Sept. 6, 2004, Jackson was pulled over about 12:30 a.m. in Monterey.

"I knew I was wrong right off the top," Jackson recalls. "I knew I was guilty."

One month later, the Berkeley resident was charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence and felony drug possession. He pleaded guilty.

"I've never been to jail before. I thought I was above that. I've got a good job, I was driving a brand new car, we were working on the house."

Jackson said he and his wife immediately found a detox program in Richmond and a family support group.

"I just accepted the fact I was an addict. Once I realized I had an addiction, I realized I couldn't take a drink or smoke like others," he said.

At his sentencing, he was placed on probation for five years. He was given a restricted license for three months and ordered to pay $1,870 in fines. Instead of a few days in jail, he was given a chance at the work furlough program. Most importantly, Jackson said, he was referred to the drug treatment court.

"I wanted to support him because he was willing to go," said Jackson's wife of 12 years, Brenda. "He came to me and said I needed help. When he said that, that meant all the difference in the world."

Jackson said he tried rehab once before, more than 20 years ago. But this time, he stuck with it. He calls the program the most difficult 18 months of his life. Along with regular drug and alcohol testing, as well as 12-step meetings after detox, Jackson had to regularly drive 100 miles to make his court appearances in downtown Salinas.

"My wife, she has been with me all the way," he said.

"It's rare we have out-of-county residents because of the strictness of the program," Weeda said.

Jackson and his wife recalled four friends through rehab who died during his 18-month journey toward sobriety. The four got clean and sober, Brenda Jackson said, but years of substance abuse caught up to them.

"This program has given me another opportunity. It's just that simple," Jackson said.

"We want nothing better than graduating more people from the program," Hayes told the crowd. "Nothing troubles me more than sending someone to jail."

But like Jackson, it is ultimately up to the person to get clean and get it together.

"The reason drug court works is because people do it for themselves," Hayes said.

George B. Sanchez can be reached at 753-6771 or gesanchez@montereyherald.com.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Monterey County Herald, Calif.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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Source: The Monterey County Herald (Monterey, Calif.)

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