San Joaquin County drug court graduates nearly 200

Ken Seeley, the host of A&E's "Intervention" and a former addict, spoke to graduates of the San Joaquin County drug court during the commencement ceremony at the Bob Hope Theatre on Wednesday. (Dan Evans/News-Sentinel)

San Joaquin County drug court graduates nearly 200

By Layla Bohm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer

Thursday, May 21, 2009 6:08 AM PDT

Comments (No comments posted.)

Twenty years ago, Ken Seeley was an addict. Now he's a celebrity who was greeted with loud cheers when he spoke Wednesday at San Joaquin County's drug court graduation.

"I could never imagine being on national TV with the No. 1 show on A&E," he said. "To be up here and be a part of that, helping millions of people, is beyond my wildest dreams. All I wanted to do was help an alcoholic, help a crystal meth addict."

Seeley, who's featured on the show "Intervention," was one of several speakers at the graduation ceremony held in Stockton's Bob Hope Theatre.

The theater is located across the street from the courthouse, where many of the graduates have appeared numerous times, sometimes as officers testified against them and judges sentenced them. But Wednesday was different: This time the graduates were hugging judges.

Wednesday marked the third year San Joaquin County Superior Court has held a graduation ceremony for those who have completed at least a year of a court-ordered drug or alcohol treatment program. It was the largest ever, with almost 200 people graduating.

Not all could attend, as some were working.

But dozens of enthusiastic men and women wore black gowns and matching caps, some trying to make sure they had the tassels on the proper side. They filed into the theater to a standing ovation from at least 500 friends, family members, judges and elected officials.

Drug court at a glance

In the fiscal year for 2007-08, San Joaquin County Drug Courts helped 431 people enter treatment. Of these:

71 were employed after completing treatment, compared to 43 who had been employed when they started.

22 were enrolled in school after finishing treatment, while none had been attending school when they started.

4.5 percent incurred new criminal charges while in the treatment program; 95.5 percent did not.

2 percent incurred new criminal charges after finishing the program; 98 percent have not.

222 of the 431 successfully completed the entire drug court program.

105 children were reunited with their families.

Of 1,701 urine tests given, 82 percent (1,394) showed no results of drugs or alcohol.

Source: San Joaquin County Superior Court

The restored theater was an appropriate venue, noted Stockton Mayor Ann Johnston, who recalled that 10 years ago the paint was peeling, the floors were molding and the ceiling was falling in. The community decided to save the theater, which now boasts ornate features and attracts celebrity appearances.

Similarly, she said, the drug court graduates have also been saved by community members who gave them a chance.

Jesse Martinez, one of two graduates who spoke at the ceremony, choked on his emotions as he spoke gratefully of his supportive family and the community. He said he's proud to "be back in society that we took so much from."

The graduates found themselves in drug court after being arrested. Those not facing violent felony charges are usually eligible for a treatment program, which involves regular court monitoring and near-constant attendance at treatment programs. Successful completion of the program means that defandants' jail sentences are stayed, and they can one day seek to have their convictions expunged.

A state study of this year's graduates predicted that $8.5 million will be saved over the next 10 years, because many will no longer take up resources in prison and court, said Judge Richard Vlavianos, who oversees the drug court program.

Statistically, not all graduates will stay sober, but so far a vast majority of last year's graduates do not have new criminal charges, according to statistics provided by the court.

Many of them had family and home troubles, which contributed to their addiction.

"So often (drug court) is the first time people are being treated with respect and dignity," Renee Zito, director of the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, said before the ceremony. "They're not used to people saying, 'Good for you; here's a Starbucks card.' ... Even if they're not doing well, they hear, 'I know you can do better.'"

Zito later spoke at the ceremony, mentioning that she has been working in the counseling field for 34 years.

"The thing I am most proud of is that my name is Renee and I am in long-term recovery from alcoholism. I've had no alcohol or drugs for 34 years," she said as the crowd cheered.

Zito battled alcoholism for years, denying that she had a problem even while going to various therapy groups with her husband's encouragement. Finally he told her he loved her too much to watch her die, and that he was leaving.

She became suicidal and wound up at a treatment center in New York City, where she had lived her whole life. From there she went to another intensive program, and she ultimately kicked her addiction for good.

Zito became a substance abuse counselor, then took some advice to go back to school. She received her bachelor's degree, then went on to her master's degree. And now she's heading the state's treatment program.

Conquering addiction isn't easy, she told the graduates and their family members, and some days the temptation gets strong enough that the alcohol or drugs can almost be tasted. She encouraged the graduates to focus on the future and echoed Seeley's advice to set goals for where they want to be in five years.

After the speakers concluded, each graduate's name was called. They walked across the stage, receiving roses and diplomas, along with hugs and handshakes from judges.

Time will tell how many listened to Seeley's final words of advice: "Stay sober one day at a time."

Contact reporter Layla Bohm at layla@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

Comments on this story are now closed.

Archives

Story Tools

Indexes