KEALAKEKUA — At Monday morning’s 43rd Big Island Drug Court Graduation Ceremony, graduate Heather Hofferbert was beaming. Given how far she has come, a celebration was warranted.
Hofferbert said that before recovery, she did “anything and everything,” when it came to drug usage.
“Meth is what brought me to my knees. My life was so unimaginable, the insanity I brought to my life,” she said.
Now clean and sober, Hofferbert works full time, pays rent, cares for her son, and has reunited with her family.
“Life is beautiful and amazing,” she said in her graduation interview.
At the Big Island Drug Court, Hofferbert graduated alongside fellow successes Cherrel Kalai and Donald Thompson.
Although the three graduates paved wildly different paths, all Drug Court journeys begin at the same place, said Deputy Public Defender, Ann Datta.
“By the time people come into Drug Court, they have lost everything,” said Datta.
Regaining all that was lost in the midst of drug addiction is a long and difficult journey that requires self-discipline.
Hofferbert said that the Drug Court held her accountable in a way she had never experienced before.
To assure participants remain in-check, there are lots of rules, said Datta. For example, Drug Court participants must eliminate contact with those they used drugs with and keep a time log.
The Big Island Drug Court program is not just strict, but all-encompassing, combining drug treatment, medical-follow up, sober support meetings, court interaction, drug testing and incentives.
“Being holistic increases protections,” said Andi Pawasarat-Losalio, program director at Bridge House, on what makes the program work.
Also central to the Drug Court’s success is participant reintegration with the public.
“These guys come in so isolated from the community,” said Pawasarat-Losalio.
Participating in community service reminds them that they can contribute positively to society, she added.
And as demonstrated by the packed courtroom, the graduates’ relationship with the public is reciprocal.
Judge Melvin Fujino said without support from the community and representatives, the drug court program would not exist.
“It’s from their heart that the (community) support(s) all of you,” he declared during the ceremony.
Pivotal to recovery is proper treatment.
Hofferbert was treated at Bridge House, where she said she learned to recognize her triggers, and was given tools to cope with her recovery.
“Bridge House loved me until I could love myself,” explained Hofferbert.
For many undergoing treatment, re-gaining self-esteem is a fundamental step to rehabilitation.
“Heather reminds me how important treatment is for women,” said Pawasarat-Losalio. “Almost all women who come in for treatment have gone through previous abuse.”
According to a statement by Mayor Harry Kim, presented at the graduation by his Deputy Managing Director Barbara Kossow, Drug Court is particularly effective.
Kim’s statement said that the court is arguably the most successful system of justice in the U.S., as it fosters education, the reunification of families and drug-free living that contributes to society.
After graduation, the sky’s the limit for the graduates.
Kalai plans to use her struggles to pay it forward to the community. “Drug court has inspired me to give back,” she said, explaining her plans to attend college and become a substance abuse counselor and psychologist.
“Without drug court I don’t know where I’d be,” she said. “It’s the greatest thing to walk out of her clean and sober.”
The best aspect of her sobriety is reuniting with her family, she added.
In addition to reunited families at the court on Monday, there were many current participants in drug court.
“It’s motivation to see them up there,” said Jostin Santana, one of the members. “It’s all in you, you’ve got to make the effort. It’s up to you.”