Six participants graduate from Brunswick County Drug Treatment Court

SUPPLY—Casondra McLaurin proudly walked up the stage with her young daughter Madison McLaurin to receive her diploma for completing Brunswick County Drug Treatment Court.

Madison McLaurin and Superior Court Judge Ola Lewis, left, look on as Madison’s mother Casondra, right, graduates from Brunswick County’s Drug Treatment Court.

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Recalling the broken road of drug addiction and overdoses that brought Casondra McLaurin to Drug Treatment Court, she said, through the program, “I like what I see.”

“I’m a mom now through this program.”

McLaurin was one of six participants who graduated from Brunswick County Drug Treatment Court last week at Brunswick Community College.

Last week’s graduation was the third graduation for participants of Drug Treatment Court, started less than two years ago by Superior Court Judge Ola Lewis.

“The road has not been easy. We are very proud of all of our participants, but, especially this evening, our graduates,” Lewis said.

Drug Treatment Court is aimed at repeat drug offenders, or defendants who commit property crimes fueled by their drug addictions. The court is voluntary, meaning the participant must want to beat his or her addiction to participate in the program. Participants plead guilty to their charges, and, in turn, are ordered to an intensive probation focused on treatment and recovery.

Drug Treatment Court is run by a team of volunteers, including Veronica Cunningham of Wilmington Treatment Center.

“Having spent the last 30 years in the field of chemical dependence, these are the kinds of evenings that make this a joy,” Cunningham said. “Seeing you keeps me doing what I do. You deserve where you sit today.”

Other graduates include Harold Brock, Jenny Butler, Brad Fulford, Arlington Johnson and Shelley Parker.

As they accepted their diplomas, many of them shared stories similar to McLaurin’s about their journeys through Drug Treatment Court.

Butler, whose husband is also a participant in Drug Treatment Court, said, “You will be so much better in life once you get to where I’m at.”

Fulford described Drug Treatment Court as  “long, hard road,” but said it was “definitely worth it.”

“I worked really hard for this and it wasn’t easy,” Johnson said.

Parker said Drug Treatment Court gave her another chance in life.

“I’m a better person now, and I like me,” Parker said.