No one consciously wants to become a drug addict. In nearly every case, it starts innocently with just one extra pain pill or one 'experimental' toke from a crack pipe. Maybe it's just fun at first.
Then the dependency starts- slowly, subconsciously, and again, there is no intention of getting hooked. But over a period of time the user finds him or her turning to the pills or meth to make the day go a little better and it seems to work. This pattern repeats itself day after day until it becomes the norm.
Over time, however, complications begin to arise. There's not enough money, you can't focus at work and your 'good' friends leave you behind. Your 'new' friends are not trustworthy and paranoia sets in. Over time, you inevitably hit rock bottom there's no where to turn, or so it seems. It's a shill life and it gets worse each and every day.
It's easy to be judgmental of a person who has a drug addiction- but remember it's human nature to get addicted to
anything, whether it's cigarettes, food, alcohol, even physical fitness, or
work. While physical fitness and work seem like strange addictions, it's all the same. Too much of
anything can kill you and maintaining some kind of balance is important to leading a long, healthy, productive life.
Bouncing back from a drug addiction is a long road to hoe, for sure. Unlike some other addictions it requires a
total rebuilding of your life which includes everything from dealing with legal matters, finding new friends, getting back to a productive job and cleaning up your life in general. Add to that, finding the incentive to
stay clean after the fact.
Help is
imperative for a recovering drug addict to stay on track and that is where the Bates County Recovery Court steps in. From the first day of the program to graduation, each and every step is made in a clear and concise manner whether that is starting a new job, sticking to a curfew or attending meetings, there is really no tolerance. Screw up and it's back to step one.
Sounds pretty tough? It is. But the rewards are great when you do good. And after as much as two years in the program the
ultimate reward is graduation from the the Recovery Court and the freedom to go find your place as a healthy, law abiding, productive citizen of the community.
It is very hard to comprehend what it takes for someone to graduate from the Bates County Recovery Court. The best way to learn more is by attending a graduation ceremony and seeing it for yourself. The public is cordially invited to attend the third ceremony which is being held this Tuesday, Oct. 18th at 6 p.m. in the Circuit Courtroom of the Bates County Courthouse.
A reception will follow the ceremony.
