DA ISSUES RECOVERY MANUAL FOR DRUG OFFENDERS

OXFORD - District attorneys may not be paired often with the concepts of
sympathy and concern, but one Northeast Mississippi prosecutor is offering
his "customers" kind words of advice.

"The Road to Recovery: An Addict's Guide to Ending Drug Use" is a 21-page
booklet recently published by Jim Hood of the Third Circuit Court District
for drug offenders who come under his jurisdiction.

"When drug users hit rock bottom, they're more susceptible to seeing a need
to change," Hood said.

On the opening page, he offers understanding and encouragement.

"Drug addiction is a progressive disease such as diabetes," he wrote. "With
support and determination you can overcome the desire to use drugs."

His encouragement takes a personal direction, too - and hints at the higher
success rates of faith-based rehab programs.

"Most of the drug and alcohol addicts with whom I am familiar have only
been able to stay off drugs with the help of the Good Lord!" he wrote.

Another letter, from an anonymous addict, describes the depths to which
drugs can push a person while still offering hope for recovering. "Am I An
Addict?" asks penetrating questions of the substance user about drugs'
impact on his life.

Other information in the booklet include the "12 Steps" that originated
with Alcoholics Anonymous and listings of hospitals, Department of Human
Services locations, substance treatment resources and support groups across
the area. A complete admission form for Region III Chemical Dependency
Services is also included.

"We didn't spend a lot of money on this," Hood said. "We just copied it."

Drug offenses - and other crimes committed by drug users - constitute a
majority of the issues that face most prosecutors. Hood said he hopes the
information offered will make an impact on some of the hundreds of drug
users who pass through his jurisdiction.

"I'm trying to cut down on my customer base," he said.