DRUG COURT SAVES LIVES

Just over a year ago, I was arrested, jailed, and given the
opportunity to participate in the Lane County Drug Court program. I
was seriously addicted to drugs. I needed help to get clean and sober,
but I didn't know how to ask for it. My mother drove from Eastern
Oregon to see about getting me remanded to the Drug Court program,
which consisted of at least a year in extensive treatment overseen by
Judge Darryl Larson.

I went kicking and screaming, although I desperately wanted recovery.
In the last year, I have learned to welcome change, for I have learned
that it often brings brighter days. I owe my life to the program, and
will forever be grateful to it for giving me back to me.

Today, I am clean and sober. I take full responsibility for my
thoughts. I am in control of my destiny. I have drive, stamina and a
winning attitude, and I owe it all to the Drug Court program and Judge
Larson.

I recently graduated the program, and am now treasurer of the Drug
Court Life Alumni Association. Larson often sits in on our meetings
and helps direct us. He offers a new perspective, a guiding hand and a
caring heart. He is very passionate about the Drug Court program, and
what we as alumni do to help carry on the message.

Larson deserves a handshake from the community - he is putting forth
his best effort to clean up the streets. To him drug addicts are
people who deep inside are longing to be freed from their addiction,
just as I was a year ago. Although some don't succeed, the numbers of
those who do well outweigh those who don't, and the alumni association
is helping make those numbers bigger still.

We in the alumni association are grateful to Larson, and are proof
that together we can all be successful. We commit to helping him help
others along the way.

Joli M. Hassing

Creswell