Graduates celebrate new beginnings at Drug Court ceremony

Published 10:41 am Wednesday, December 18, 2024

The Third Judicial District Drug Intervention Court held a graduation ceremony Tuesday at the Lafayette County Courthouse, celebrating 36 individuals who earned a second chance at life.

The graduates, from Oxford and New Albany, successfully completed the court’s rigorous three-year rehabilitation program.

Andy Howorth, a retired Circuit Court judge who founded the drug court in 2008, addressed the graduates before introducing the guest speaker, Rusty Anderson.

Andy Howorth, a retired Circuit Court judge who founded the drug court in 2008, addressed the graduates. Photo by Alyssa Schnugg

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Howorth offered words of encouragement, acknowledging the challenges of sobriety.

“Sobriety may be hard—the hardest thing you ever do—but it’s not complicated,” he said. “It’s not complicated, it’s just hard. You’ve got to keep at it, but don’t overthink it. Don’t outsmart yourself by thinking it’s too complicated, because it’s not. The longer you do it well, the easier it gets. But it will always require effort.”

The Third Judicial District Drug Court is overseen by Circuit Court Judges Kelly Luther and Gray Tollison.

The program aims to rehabilitate individuals with substance use disorders by combining treatment with strict supervision, frequent court appearances, and random drug testing. Participants are given the opportunity to avoid incarceration and maintain employment. Those who fail face potential prison sentences, but those who succeed often have their criminal records expunged.

Currently, the program supports 285 participants.

Anderson, a graduate of the program who has been sober since 2014, shared his story as the event’s guest speaker.

Anderson reflected on his struggles with addiction, which began during a difficult childhood. His battle with drugs and alcohol led to multiple arrests and several DUIs. In 2014, he was given a choice: go to jail or enroll in Drug Court. He chose the latter.

“When I realized what kind of consequences I was facing, I thought my life was over,” he said.

Over time, with the support of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, random drug tests, and participation in the program, Anderson began to see his life improve.

“I started gaining back the trust of my family. I got promotions at work, bought a house and a car, and married my best friend,” he shared. “If you had told me 10 years ago this would be my life, I wouldn’t have believed it. The biggest change over these 10 years has been my perception of life.”

During the ceremony, graduates received medals and certificates to mark their accomplishments.