WITH heads held high and backs turned away from a troubled past, the 2025 graduating cohort of the Drug Treatment Court (DTC) celebrated the success of the rehabilitative justice programme on Wednesday, sharing stories of sacrifice and triumph.

The DTC, established in 2001, was designed to lower the incidence of criminal activities linked to substance dependency, and to provide assistance and support to enable those who participate to function as law-abiding citizens. Completion of the programme also grants them the opportunity of an expunged record.

Eleven people were in the latest graduating cohort having completed all three phases of the DTC programme, which runs between nine and 12 months for the year.

The valedictorian and recipient of the Peer Support Award, whose name is being withheld, admitted that the journey to turning his life around was not easy. He told the Jamaica Observer that he grappled not just with issues surrounding substance abuse, but also an untamed temper.

According to the now-reformed addict, he overcame by remaining committed and working alongside members of the DTC.

“I would say I’ve become a better person. I am not angry all the time and even when I get angry I know how to manage that now. The programme has taught me how to navigate through that and how to find different ways and means. When I feel like I need to have a drink I find different ways to overcome that addiction, whether it be to go for a walk, drive or sit and talk to somebody,” he said.

The DTC graduate, who credits the support of his fellow participants for much of his success, also shared that he was able to increase his skill set through the programme, earning HEART/NSTA Trust certification in drywall installation.

Also beaming with pride at the graduation was counsellor at the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) Lashae Grant who recalled the effort she witnessed from the members of the group. Grant told the Sunday Observer that many of the participants occasionally relapsed but persevered till the end.

“I’m a bit emotional and I’m also happy for them. I’m happy that they were able to stick it out despite challenges that many of them had. Recovering from addiction is not easy. A lot of times they had setbacks. Some of them stopped in the middle and I tried to get them back in so it is very heart-warming to see that they have stuck it out,” said Grant with a smile.

She added that the participants made significant progress outside of becoming sober as many went into the programme unable to read and complete basic arithmetic. According to Grant, the statistics show positive trends with graduates becoming academically proficient.

In her remarks Parish Court Judge Maxine Ellis was emotional as she congratulated the reformed drug users for their dedication and success and wished them prosperity in the journey ahead.

“When I speak about DTC, I really believe that we can make a difference — not in a large group necessarily, but we make a difference one person at a time. Graduands, I really and truly appreciate the efforts you have made. And I believe…you deserve whatever accolades given to you.

“You have worked long and hard and tirelessly and I believe that you all really and truly have done the work. And I know you will continue to make DTC proud,” said Ellis, who sits in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.