Drug Courts Work!

Nathan's Story

Nathan was born and raised in a small town.  In high school he began using drugs – starting with tobacco.  He drank alcohol with his friends.  Attending rock concerts, he discovered marijuana. He found himself craving adrenaline, which led him to experiment with speed and methamphetamine.  He soon developed a habit, which led to a 25-year addiction to methamphetamine. This addiction took him into a world of crime, deception and immorality. 

Nathan married and gave his wife her first shot of methamphetamine. 

The couple moved to another state where Nathan participated in a Mexican gang, which made and distributed drugs.  Nathan’s world turned upside down when his wife of 20 years left him.   At this point he was no longer in good with the gang so he ran back to his small hometown to escape death.  


In his desperation, he attached a cord to the ceiling and attempted to hang himself.  The cord broke through the rafters and he found himself still alive.  He thought to himself, “I am not even successful at killing myself.” 

As a child Nathan had been exposed to religion and church. During a period of sobriety in his marriage he lived with a street preacher who would play Christian teaching tapes loudly in the evening disrupting his sleep. 

Nathan began to consider God.

He quit his methamphetamine use.  He did not cease to be an addict.  He changed his drug of choice to alcohol.  Soon he was arrested for public intoxication.  He continued to drink incessantly hosting parties at his house, which he referred to as the frat house.  Nathan no longer had a driver’s license due to repeatedly driving while intoxicated.  He was arrested for public intoxication and thrown into jail.  Nathan had the option of prison or Drug Court.   Nathan chose to go to Drug Court and try to change his life.

Treatment instead of Prison

Nathan found the structure, support; tools and counseling during recovery to help him change his life.  After 18 months, Nathan graduated form Drug Court.  At his graduation ceremony he shared his testimony and encouraged others to “let go of the past and live a clean life one day at a time.”

This testimony was shared with Susan Buck and based on a client’s true story.  Released with permission.  Update:  Nathan died in early 2012.  He was suffering from liver cancer.  He left behind a beautiful young fiance and grandchildren.

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