COLUMBUS, Ind. — Describing her former self as “a broken shell of a woman,” former Columbus resident Debbie Olmstead said she believes she was an addict longer than some of her fellow Drug Court participants have been alive.
“I knew if I kept on the path I was taking, I was going to end up in prison,” said Olmstead, one of 10 former defendants who were lauded for their efforts Tuesday during Bartholomew County’s third annual Adult Drug Recovery Court graduation. Although the recovering methamphetamine user now lives with relatives in Texas, Olmstead said she returned to Columbus specifically to attend and speak at the event at The Commons.
Olmstead said she was both frightened and skeptical when she began the drug court program, especially after discovering she would have to remain sober for 15 to 24 months to successfully complete it. She spent much time wondering what she had gotten herself into, Olmstead said.
“I didn’t know if I could stay clean,” she said. “At first, it was a very hard schedule. But as time went on, I noticed not only was I not using – but the thought of using wasn’t even there. The program taught me how to respect my life, respect myself and respect other people.”
In addition, Olmstead learned how to work through things that overwhelmed and upset her without using drugs to cover up and forget her feelings, she told the audience.
More than 100 people were in the audience at The Commons as the 10 graduates were praised for their successful completion of the program. As Bartholomew Circuit Court Judge Kelly Benjamin put it, “that took guts.”
Each eligible candidate has to undergo at least two evaluations before being considered for the program, according to the judge. Once they begin the program, the participant is required to essentially change all aspects of their lives, Benjamin said.
”They have to show up in court week after week, and agree to stringent treatment plans that first seem to be overwhelming,” Benjamin said. “They have to change contacts, even with close friends, family members or people that they love. They have to discover new friends, new hobbies, new skills and reassess their entire lives.”
For the complete story and more photos, see Thursday’s Republic.
