Finding Solutions to the Durg and Alcohol Epidemic

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Recommended: Merits of drug courts

Hollywood loves good drama; and nothing delivers quite as superior a punch as broken, but lovable characters overcoming great obstacles. Movies are plagued with these archetypical prodigal sons or daughters who strayed a little too far down the wrong path. We sit in tense anticipation as we witness the ups and downs, the twists and turns; knowing all along, before the credits role there will be a moment of redemption and ultimately, salvation. We will stand and applaud as we ferociously gorge on all this vicariously.

Unfortunately for millions of individuals across the nation, there is no script, no cameras and no director. However, they as well, strayed a little too far down the wrong path and their existences are plagued with incredible obstacles. Their lives have components of the best movies; excessive and problematic drug and alcohol use and a life of chronic criminal activity. The only audiences witnessing their drama however are concerned loved ones, judges, probation officers and a jury of twelve of their peers.

Kim knows how this narrative plays out all too well. She cycled through the judicial system for 17 years of her life. A highly unlikely candidate for a street walker, Kim recalls a happy childhood filled with loving support and encouragement from her grandmother. She was a bright kid and people took notice. She remembers family frequently discussing her potential and showering her with praises.

However, living in New York and being unable to find work while on summer break of sophomore year can lead even the most unlikely candidates to make an unfortunate detour. Kim began stripping. The cash was incredible, addictive actually. Crack cocaine was soon introduced by a boyfriend. This was also addictive. As the ...

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..., from http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3321586&page=1

History NADCP. (n.d.). NADCP Home NADCP. Retrieved August 13, 2011, from

http://www.nadcp.org/learn/what-are-drug-courts/history

Office of National Drug Control Policy: Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse. ( NA, 2008).

Retrieved August 6, 2011 from: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/statelocal/or/or.pdf

Roan, S., & Times, L. A. (n.d.). Longer addiction treatment is a key to ending relapse-rehab

cycle. Addiction Alternatives Information - drug addiction help - Treatment for Alcoholism. Retrieved August 17, 2011, from http://www.addictioninfo.org/articles/3074/1/Longer-addiction-treatment-is-a-key-to-ending-relapse-rehab-cycle/Page1.html

The Sentencing Project: Research and advocacy for reform (NA, 2009). Retrieved August 6,

2011 from: http://www.setencingproject.org/doc/dp_drugcourts.pdf

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