Pubdate: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 Source: Los Angeles Times (CA) Copyright: 2001 Los Angeles Times Contact: Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053 Fax: (213) 237-7679 Feedback: http://www.latimes.com/siteservices/talk_contacts.htm Website: http://www.latimes.com/ Forum: http://www.latimes.com/discuss/ Author: Douglas Haberman Note: News from Rancho Cucamonga in the Times Community Newspapers DRUG COURT GRADUATES BASK IN THEIR SUCCESS Recovering Addicts, Alcoholics Celebrate Their Sobriety And Aren't Afraid To Reflect On The Tougher Times RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- They tearfully apologized to their families and friends, gratefully acknowledged the help of even the police officers who arrested them and laughed at the stumbles they made on the way to a drug-free life. Sixteen rehabilitated drug addicts and alcoholics graduated from Rancho Cucamonga drug court this week, celebrating many months of sobriety after years of addiction. Humor, drama and pride abounded as San Bernardino County Superior Court Commissioner Ronald Gilbert presided over a ceremony Thursday evening in the City Council chambers at Rancho Cucamonga City Hall. It was the local drug court's fourth graduation, bringing the total number of graduates to 49 since the treatment program began at the West Valley courthouse in 1998. Of the 49 graduates, only one has been arrested since leaving the program, Gilbert told the audience of recovering addicts, family members, treatment counselors, probation and police officers and other officials. "That's pretty staggering," he said. Drug court gives repeat offenders who are addicts a chance to avoid jail or prison, primarily for drug possession or being under the influence of narcotics. In return, they undergo a yearlong regimen of classes at the Matrix Institute on Addictions, 12-step meetings and urine testing. After graduating, they receive six months of less intensive follow-up care. About 100 people are enrolled in the West Valley courthouse program at any given time. Gilbert announced each graduate individually, and some spoke to the audience. Joe Borgia walked up to receive his certificate of completion and looked out at everyone. "We made it!" he said. As part of an inspirational speech, Gordon Fingers, brother of Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers, said Gilbert won't hesitate to throw drug court clients in jail if they break the program's strict rules. "He gives you what you deserve," Fingers said as his brother listened in the audience. "And he gave it to me twice." But Mike Richardson, who lost his home and his wife and children because of his addiction, spoke of Gilbert's other side. "Judge, you've been like a father to me," he said. "I hope you take care of me when I'm old," Gilbert replied to laughter. Maryke Veenstra, a mother of two young children who has been clean for 497 days, cried as she asked her family for forgiveness. "I'm sorry for everything I've done," she said. "Especially my kids and how I treated them." Brad Davis also broke down in tears as he addressed his parents. "I'm sorry for putting you through hell," he said. He recalled his addiction: "I lived with that pipe every 20 minutes." But he also was upbeat about his new life. "Being sober's fantastic," he said. He told new drug court clients in the audience, "If I can do it, you can do it." Matrix counselor Quinlan Strong gave a dramatic closing speech in which she said each graduate faces the choice of continuing life's journey in sobriety or falling back. "When you awaken tomorrow," she said, "what will your decision be." After the ceremony, graduate Paul Benoit said it was the urine testing that forced him to stay sober. He used to go on months-long binges, only calling home when he landed in jail. His addiction to methamphetamines and alcohol finally left him homeless. Now he has his own apartment, a new job and new friends. "This has been the best thing that ever happened to Paul," said his mother, Christine Benoit of Rancho Cucamonga. "He's become a different person." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth