Dozens Mark Milestones, Graduate 'Drug Court' In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Dozens of Essex County residents are celebrating a big milestone in their battles against drug and alcohol abuse.

Last week, the Essex Vicinage hosted a graduation and commencement ceremony for participants in its drug court program.

The program – which currently has more than 400 participants and operates in other New Jersey counties - allows substance-abusing offenders charged with non-violent crimes to enroll in a regimen of treatment, counseling and supervision instead of going to prison.

The program requires participants to complete four phases of intensive drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. Drug court participants are expected to comply with all treatment recommendations, attend AA/NA meetings, gain employment, obtain a GED if not already attained, and demonstrate payment of fines, according to the Essex Vicinage.

On Dec. 6, a group of 63 people met to celebrate their success at the Leroy Smith Building in Essex County, including 28 graduates and 35 participants who are moving to the final phase of the program.

• See related article: Library In Essex County Will Offer Ex-Prison Inmates A Helping Hand
• See related article: 60 Former Prison Inmates In NJ Get New Careers, Fresh Starts

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