Pubdate: Tue, 27 Sep 2005
Source: Star-Gazette (NY)
Copyright: 2005sStar-Gazette
Contact:  http://www.stargazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1005
Author: Brooke J. Sherman
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)

'LIFE IS GREAT TODAY,' GRAD SAYS

Four Former Addicts Graduate From Drug Court

Mitchell Parrott stood before Judge Peter C. Buckley in Chemung 
County Drug Treatment Court as a changed man.

Gone were his days of drinking alcohol and using and cooking 
methamphetamine. Now, his smile and demeanor are that of a thoughtful 
student, a dutiful son and a caring father.

"Life is great today," Parrott, 33, said as he concluded his comments 
at the Drug Court graduation Monday evening.

"I did it one day at a time, and I'll continue to do it one day of a 
time," he said of his life as a sober and drug-free member of the community.

Parrott was among four graduates Monday, making a total of 12 Chemung 
County residents to successfully complete the four-phase program 
started in April 2003. Drug Court is known for its "whole person" 
approach to treat addiction. By using a combination of rewards, 
sanctions and supervision, along with addiction treatment, 
individuals are taught to change their lifestyles in the program, 
according to Drug Court materials.

Annette Lagonegro, Drug Court coordinator, saw that happen with 
Parrott and others as they went through the program.

"(Parrott) was angry and manipulative at the beginning. He thought he 
had all the answers," she said.

But eventually that personality gave way to smiles, she said.

Buckley also saw Parrott change through the course of about 18 months 
in Drug Court.

"He's not thinking about himself anymore. He has the ability to see 
beyond himself," Buckley said. "He has blossomed. He has a gift. He 
has a talent. He has a personality. This guy has an ability to tell a 
story and make it realistic to people."

Buckley said he was pleased to see Parrott's developments through 
Drug Court, a path that included speaking publicly about his 
addiction to meth before the community and even members of state government.

"He's got that extra gift to present himself and project himself. He 
really is a talented guy," Buckley said.

Kurt Riddell, 29, also graduated from the program Monday.

Riddell and Parrott said they stood before Buckley with fear, but 
they were pleased to be there for graduation.

"It's a great feeling to go through the program, but it's a 
never-ending process for me," Riddell said.

Riddell read a poem about his life changes through Drug Court to the 
more than 60 people in the audience.

"This is where we are striving to get to, but it's not over up here. 
It's just another step. You've got to keep moving," he said.

For Parrott, the event was another step toward his work as a 
drug-abuse counselor, but he still had everything in perspective as 
he enjoyed cake and punch after the graduation.

"I've got college in the morning," he said. "I've got to get home and 
get to bed."
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman