Successes
CHD's criminal justice programs receive approximately 3000 District Attorney, Superior Court, and County referrals annually. Approximately 75% of participants complete the program successfully, with some programs having higher success rates than others. Many participants say they would have taken their case to trial if CHD's alternative programs were not available. The programs save Sonoma County tax payers millions of dollars annually in court and jail cost, while providing support, practical tools and encouragement to its participants with an ultimate goal of greater well-being.
Maggie's Story
Maggie entered her diversion program as a broken, meth addicted 23 year old. Her lifeless blond hair hung shoulder length, her teeth already discolored and brittle. Maggie was born in prison and raised by her drug addicted aunt and uncle. By age twelve, Maggie had already experienced alcohol and marijuana, and been molested by her uncle and several of his buddies. This was a life that felt normal to Maggie. By age 17 she was pregnant with her first child. Maggie, her 42 year old husband, and baby lived in their van. She and her "man" smoked meth daily. By age 22 Maggie had given birth to two more children - one with her husband and the other fathered by his friend. California Child Protective Services removed all three children shortly after the last child was born. Maggie and her husband were arrested for possession of methamphetamine in a house raid. Maggie's husband went to prison on a parole violation and Maggie was referred to drug diversion.
Maggie was required to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings three times per week and find a sponsor. She was required to drug test and attend early recovery groups. In addition, she was referred to women's sexual assault groups and individual one-on-one counseling. Maggie had too much free time on her hands and a lot of deep seated problems. Her alternative to diversion was 90 days of incarceration. Several months into her diversion program Maggie had a breakthrough and decided it was time to either end, or change her life. With support systems in place, Maggie decision was for change.
Today, Maggie lives in a clean and sober house with other recovering addicts. She is fully engaged in NA and has a wonderful sponsor. Maggie works full-time for a landscaping company and continues to attend women's support groups. She stopped by the other day to say she was in contact with her children and working toward reunification. With the hammer of the courts and the support of the community - miracles can (and do) happen.
Patrick's Story
Patrick entered drug diversion over two years ago for possession of methamphetamine, although marijuana was his drug of choice. Patrick admitted to smoking marijuana daily for most of his teen and adult life. For over a year, Patrick was in and out of the program for violations of missed appointments and testing positive for marijuana. On Patrick's third attempt at diversion he was given an ultimatum - test clean or go to jail. Patrick looked at the effect jail would have on his family and job. He decided to take the program seriously.
Patrick completed diversion three months later; completely clean from all substances for the first time in twenty years. His gratitude was profound. His clean time gave him the opportunity to save money, move into a new home, gain respect from loved ones, and earn a job promotion. Patrick and his wife renewed their wedding vows two weeks ago and are having a baby who was conceived drug free.
Patrick's words upon exiting diversion were "thank you for sticking with me and kicking my butt." "I have never felt better or been happier in my life."
Marijuana use may be perceived as the natural high, non-addictive and a medicinal relaxant. However, many years of experience and study now show that marijuana is clearly addictive, a major carcinogen and simply put "makes people lazy."
Just ask Patrick.
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