Nobody wants to stand in front of a judge.
It was also the last place Lindsey had expected to be. She was an excellent BMX racer until she broke her leg in a fall and was given prescription painkillers following surgery. That sparked years of addiction and run-ins with the law, which nearly landed her in jail.
“I was at the lowest point and I had to figure out how to get out,” says Lindsey.
Lindsey’s path out began with the Elyria Municipal Recovery Court. Judge Robert White gave Lindsay a chance to avoid jail.
Going to jail is simple, but the program of counseling, therapy, and personal responsibility is not.
“Our treatment team provides intense supervision throughout the program. “It entails counseling and weekly court appearances,” Judge White explained. “As you progress through the program, you’re expected to get a job, obtain a GED, or further your education.
According to Judge White, participants check in with the court once a week and are subjected to weekly drug and alcohol testing. But if you fail, there will be consequences.
According to White, you can see people change gradually as they progress through the program.
Lindsey stated that all of her small achievements helped her realize that she could improve. She has now been sober for nearly three years.
“My life has turned into an absolute shambles, with no license, no job, and my daily routine consisting of trying not to OD. I now have three boys and own my own home. Lindsey said, “I work every day and am just enjoying life today.”
The program has been working well. Since its inception, the Elyria Municipal Recovery Court has seen 51 participants. In addition, 39 people have completed or are currently enrolled in the program.
Bernie Kosar is not giving up as he waits for liver transplant.
According to Judge White, treatment is less expensive than incarceration and has numerous benefits, particularly when people are able to overcome their addictions.
“Sometimes people don’t complete the program. We’ve had people who didn’t complete the program, but it’s wonderful to see someone like Lindsey come through and completely change their life. “That’s the goal, and that’s why we’re here,” Judge White said.
