Pubdate: Mon, 02 May 2005 Source: Pacific Daily News (US GU) Copyright: 2005 Pacific Daily News Contact: http://www.guampdn.com/customerservice/contactus.html Website: http://www.guampdn.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1122 Author: Natalie J. Quinata Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) "THERE IS A WAY TO GET OUT" Drug Rehabilitation Program Helps Turn Lives Around For Connie Smau, "hanging" with the wrong crowd may have gotten her into some serious trouble, but in the end, getting caught has helped her change her life for the better. Unable to fight off peer pressure like many teens who experiment with drugs, Smau said she regrettably got too involved with a group of not-so-good friends and fell into some bad habits that led her straight to drugs. "I was partying and hanging out with people I didn't even go to school with, I barely even knew them, but I did what they were doing anyway," she said. But when a friend ran away from home and later told police she had been with Smau and indicated that there was some drug use, Smau was taken in for questioning. And in one life-changing second, Smau decided for once, she would be responsible and suffer the consequences of her mistakes. At age 16, Smau entered the Juvenile Drug Court System, where she began to learn there was so much more to look forward to that could not be achieved unless she eliminated drugs from her life. "If it wasn't for the drug court, I'd probably be the same person I was before. The caseworkers, the probation officers, they're all really great people who are there to help -- you just have to let them," she said. With the help of caseworkers, probation officers, counselors and new friends within the Juvenile Drug Court system to work with, Smau went through a year and a half of intensive therapy, drug tests and an array of activities, such as sports and life skills training that transformed the former party girl into a serious young woman with ambition. People care "The drug court teaches you that there are people out there who care about you and want you to know that there are other ways to express yourself," said Smau, adding that she has turned many of her experiences and feelings into poems that she has been able to look back on for inspiration and encouragement. In addition to helping her stay off drugs, Smau said the Juvenile Drug Court has helped her realize her joy for speaking. As the only female graduate in her class, Smau gave an inspirational speech at her recent graduation ceremony from the drug court program. At the event, the encouraging smiles and applause from mentors became something she began to thrive on. "I was touched by the way people saw my success and how happy they were for me, and I hope that through speaking and talking to others who are in the situation I used to be in, I can change the life of at least one person," said Smau, adding that she never turns down an opportunity to participate in any of the Juvenile Drug Court's current activities. Now, three years later and constantly searching for ways to better herself, Smau said she has turned her life around and focuses much of her attention on raising her family. Now as a bank teller for a local bank, Smau said much of the success she has made thus far is because of the lessons she has learned from the Juvenile Drug Court System. "They helped me realize that I wanted to finish school, and that I wanted something better for my life. Every day is a new day for me now, and I'm grateful to everyone who stood by me," said Smau. With her family as her focus, and knowing that she has come a long way from where she was just three years ago, Smau wants teenagers out there to know they are not alone and that there is a way to get out of using drugs. Decision "There are so many other things for kids to do and there are so many people who are there to help you and who want you to succeed, but you have to make the decision," she said. Smau said she hopes parents know they have to take time out to be involved in their children's lives because kids, especially teenagers, need to know that someone cares. "Talk to your kids. Ask them questions about school, ask how their day was -- you'll never know how much that really means," said Smau. - ---