Drug Treatment Court Celebrates Graduation Class

“This court not only saved my life, but gave me my life back,” said Hope Bishop to a round of thunderous applause. On Feb. 2, the Buncombe County Adult Drug Treatment Court (ADTC) celebrated five graduates. The initiative, funded through Buncombe County’s behavioral health division, is a diversion program offering addiction treatment in lieu of prison time. ADTC is a voluntary Superior Court program that aims to reduce recidivism while providing guidance, treatment, and discipline to individuals seeking recovery from drugs and alcohol. The ADTC Team is comprised of probation officials, law enforcement, treatment providers, and court officials who collaborate to provide participants with the tools necessary to help maintain sobriety after program completion.

ADTC, in its 18th year of operation in Buncombe County,  is spearheaded by Buncombe County Chief Superior Court Judge, The Honorable Alan Thornburg who stresses it’s about changing the perception of addiction from a moral failing to a public health issue. “They have been to hell and back; but they are here, standing tall and proud, and in active recovery. Their strength leaves me in awe,” said Thornburg of the five graduates. “We can’t lock everyone up and expect the problem to go away. We know [addiction] rewires the brain.”

“I’m living the life I’ve wanted to live for years, but didn’t know how,” exclaimed program graduate Karen Ray. “Drug Court showed me how to get out of my own way. It’s not all about me, I’ve learned to give back and be satisfied. Today being graduation… I know it’s only the beginning of my life.”

Congratulations to Adult Drug Treatment Court graduates Hope Bishop, Efrain Guzman, Lance Karner, Sierra Morris, and Karen Ray.

Studies show that drug courts are one of the most effective forms of justice intervention for treating drug addiction, successfully reducing criminal activity, and combatting recidivism.

Justice Resource Support is one of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners strategic priorities.

For more information on Drug Treatment Court click here.