If you have been arrested for a drug related offense, you may be eligible for help rather that incarceration. Some courts have begun to realize that crime is not always the problem, it is often a symptom of the real problem, drug abuse and addiction. Each Florida county treats drug abuse and addition differently. Hillsborough County has created some problem-solving courts which offer help as an alternative to incarceration. Some of the alternatives are:
- Juvenile Drug Court
- Drug Pretrial Intervention
- Adult Drug Recovery Court
What is Juvenile Drug Court?
The juvenile drug court is a program in which participants are required to attend substance abuse counseling, submit to random drug screens, attend school or obtain a general equivalency diploma (GED), follow court-ordered sanctions, and comply with any other orders issued by the court. The end goal is to have the legal charges dismissed. See more at: Juvenile Drug Court.
What is Drug Pretrial Intervention?
The Adult Drug Pretrial Intervention Court allows first-time drug offenders the opportunity to avoid having a felony conviction on their record.
After completing a background check, the defendant signs a contract in which he or she agrees to complete a drug treatment program and the State Attorney’s Office agrees to drop the charges upon completion of that program. See more at: Drug Pretrial Intervention.
What is Adult Drug Recovery Court?
The Adult Post-Adjudication Drug Court is designed to treat and assist those individuals whose drug and alcohol problems have resulted in being charged with a 3rd degree felony. See more at: Adult Drug Recovery Court.
Drug courts may offer therapies which include medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Addition is a chronic brain disease in which a person regularly finds and uses drugs. It is a brain disease because addiction can change how the brain works. Without treatment and recovery, addiction may keep getting worse.
There are three main choices for medication to treat opioid addiction.
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Extended-Release Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
Methadone Drug Charges
Methadone relieves withdrawal and cravings. The goal is to feel normal, not intoxicated or in withdrawal. Stopping methadone abruptly will result in withdrawal symptoms.
Buprenorphine Drug Charges
Buprenorphine reduces the desire for opioid and reduces withdrawal symptoms. The goal is to help a person feel normal. Stopping methadone abruptly will result in withdrawal symptoms.
Extended-Release Naltrexone (Vivitrol) Drug Charges
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) works by blocking opioids from acting on your brain. It takes away the high and allows your brain time to heal. It may also stop drug cravings. Stopping naltrexone abruptly will NOT result I withdrawal symptoms.
Why Should I Contact a Drug Abuse and Addiction Defense Attorney?
Drug abuse and addiction can happen to anyone. If you or a loved one have been arrested for a drug related crime and need help with a drug abuse and addiction problem, it is critical that you get help from an experienced drug abuse and addiction defense attorney. Drug abuse and addiction is complex and requires the help of someone with experience and knowledge concerning treatment and recovery. An experienced drug abuse and addiction attorney may be able to help you avoid a lengthy prison term and get the help you need.