Alabama
Alabama currently has a combined number of 113 treatment courts in the state. This number includes Adult Drug Courts, Mental Health Courts, Veterans Treatment Courts, Tribal to Healing to Wellness Courts, Family Treatment Courts, and Juvenile Drug Courts. Sixty of our 67 counties have access to at least one type of treatment court. While all of the courts do an excellent job at making a difference in the lives of the participants in the program, some programs go the extra mile and are proactive in creating ways to prevent someone from suffering from substance use disorder.
Escambia County Drug Court created a program known as The Drugs Erase Dreams education program. Over the years, it has become a vital part of drug prevention in their community for middle and high school students. This program teaches the fundamentals of substance use disorder and the consequences of using alcohol and drugs. The course is taught in a classroom setting to provide more personal one-on-one interaction. The basics of substance use disorder, how people develop substance use disorder, the science of addiction and how addiction impacts the brain, reasons people start using drugs and alcohol, stories of hope and redemption are just a few of the topics that are part of the curriculum. The curriculum also includes interactive activities, question and answers sessions, and videos. At the end of the course, the students are given a final exam to ensure they are equipped with a comprehensive knowledge of addiction to drugs and alcohol. It is our belief in Alabama that preventing substance use disorder begins early, and that our Treatment Court Programs should be proactive and provide information about the dangers of drugs to as many people as possible, beginning with our youth.
