CONCORD, N.H. —The state is expanding the number of drug courts, and one will be in every county.
The courts have been around in a limited form for several years, and they rely on intensive supervision and personal responsibility to break the cycle of addiction. Those who have seen the program work said it changes lives and is an important weapon in battling the heroin epidemic in New Hampshire.
Gov. Maggie Hassan signed Senate Bill 464 into law Tuesday, establishing the drug courts in every county.
“We also know that offenders who leave jail or prison after a year have a 70 percent chance of re-offending,” Superior Court Chief Justice Tina Nadeau said. “Drug court graduates have a 22 percent chance.”
New Hampshire currently has drug courts in six counties. The oldest, in Strafford County, has been operating for 11 years. The new law provides almost $3 million to expand the courts to all 10 counties, including two in Hillsborough County.
Offenders selected for drug court stay out of jail, but it’s far from a free ride. They submit to constant supervision, including twice-weekly random drug testing, counseling, community service and education.
If someone in drug court breaks the rules, they could end up in jail. Following the rules earns rewards.
“The reason that I think drug courts work is that it involves personal responsibility,” Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley said. “People have to accept the intervention in their lives that drug courts mean.”
“It also helps reduce crime, and it saves taxpayer money,” Hassan said. “Drug courts help people return to their communities as contributing members of society.”
There are 192 people working their way through the existing drug court system. It takes about a year-and-a-half to complete the program.
“For the first time ever, they can have some control over their life and their choices, and they start making better choices, and they see the results,” Nadeau said.
Supporters of the program said it’s only one way to fight the heroin epidemic. They said law enforcement and drug treatment centers also need support to help addicts and take drugs and drug dealers off the streets.
