Over 25 years, Sobriety Court has helped change approach to justice
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The 61st District Sobriety Court in downtown Grand Rapids on Wednesday celebrated its 25th anniversary and held a graduation ceremony to recognize those who recently completed the program.
The specialized problem-solving court was one of the first created in West Michigan. There are now more than 4,000 across the country.
Ramsey Harris was one of the graduates recognized for completing the program.
“I was addicted to pain medicines from some car accidents and then I graduated to heroin IV use,” Harris said.
Going through the program was not easy. Harris said he had to commit himself to living a sober life and use the tools he learned to stay away from drugs.
“At first it was a little scary. It seemed a bit overwhelming. But once you get into the routine, it just becomes that much easier,” he said. “One day at a time is how we live.”
The impact of the program has been life changing.
“I’ve lost everything that was at once precious to me, but I’m able to get it back since. Not only that, I’m so much better because I’m so grateful for everything this time,” Harris said.
Specialized courts like the Sobriety Court are common. That was not the case 25 years ago when the program began. Patrick Bowler helped create it and was the first judge to preside over it.
“There was really no resource and there was no partnership between the court that did the criminal sentencing and the treatment providers. We were like two different entities that never communicated, never connected with each other,” Bowler, now retired, said.
“(The Sobriety Court) was very successful and the data and the statistics, all the research that’s been done, establish that these courts have been very successful in reducing recidivism and saving money. (And) most importantly, in saving lives,” he added.
A variety of specialized courts have since been created around Kent County and across the country.
“We now have veterans courts specially designed for veterans, mental health courts, juvenile courts, sobriety courts for (driving while intoxicated), we have the drug courts, and so we’ve come a long ways,” Bowler said.
Program graduates like Harris want those struggling with substance abuse to know there is a way out.
“Get help,” he said. “There’s absolutely zero shame in asking for help. We all need help from time to time.”
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