Eighteenth Of Ongoing Series

DRUG COURT REWARD: STAY CLEAN, GET A FREE HAIRCUT

Note: The following article is the 18th in a series regarding the
creation of the Fifth Judicial District Drug Court Program recently
implemented in Pahrump. Because drug court is designed to treat
addiction rather than prosecute users as is done in criminal courts,
the identities of participants will be altered for purposes of
confidentiality; their photographs will not be printed.

Drugs Court recognized another milestone Monday afternoon when each
participant recorded consecutive good weeks. Joan is still on the lam
- - there are indications she is not interested in remaining in the
innovative program - John is still undergoing in-house treatment, as
is Amy.

On the other end of the spectrum, Cathy, Fred, Paul, and Joe, drug
court's shining stars, were exempt from Monday's session because all
are in the less regimented second phase of the three-tiered program.

The net result was a drug court session that lasted all of 15 minutes,
a new record when it comes to brevity.

Next week drug court will occur on Tuesday in light of the Labor Day
holiday. Until then, participants have an opportunity to make good
three weeks in a row.

Vicki continues her ascent out of addiction. She performed her
community service, made her 12-step meetings and counseling sessions.
She told Fifth District Judge Robert Lane she is "learning about choices."

Greg also had a good week, but his urine continues to show residual
traces of marijuana. He understands sanctions await him if he doesn't
test clean next week. In his counseling sessions, which Greg described
as "going terrific," he said he is learning about himself.

Dennis, once a big worry for the drug court team, appeared in court
clean-shaven and nicely dressed for the first time. He met his
obligations, tested clean, and asked the drug court team for
assistance in finding a job. They'll do what can be done.

Theresa has a new job, apparently her first fulltime gig. "I'm not
used to working eight hours a day," said the young woman. The comment
brought laughter to the courtroom. She met her other obligations and
tested clean. "You're in a good place," said Lane. "You'll be so busy
you won't have time to get in trouble."

Because of her steady improvement, Theresa was given a gift
certificate for a free haircut donated by Simply Unique Salon. Liz
also continues to shine, and like Theresa, she'll get a free hairdo
compliments of the salon.

That left Lou, who has not yet been accepted into drug court, though
he is being given every opportunity to make himself eligible. It
doesn't appear he wants to take advantage of what has been offered.

Lou failed to submit to mandatory drug testing. Lane ordered the man
to spend Tuesday at the courthouse until he was able to urinate in one
of the drug cups, and was ordered to attend counseling. Lane warned
Lou to get with the program or expect to be sent to prison in two
months when he's up for sentencing.