City court heads new program to kick drugs

By Staff
Melissa Cason
The Russellville Municipal Court is heading up a program to help residents with substance abuse problems before they are ordered to receive drug and alcohol treatment by a judge.
Court Clerk LaDonna Hitt said the program is for individuals who would ordinarily fall through the cracks in the court system to get them help before their drug or alcohol addiction spirals farther out of control.
"This is for individuals who enter in our municipal court system on a misdemeanor charge as a result of his or her addiction," Hitt said.
Hitt said the program is a voluntary program for individuals to get help before their problem escalates into a bigger problem.
"A lot of times, a person might steal something small from a local store. While it's not a felony charge, it could be a cry out for help. This program is designed for those people," Hitt said.
Hitt said the program will not take the place of any court ordered programs, but can be used in conjunction with court ordered treatment.
"We will be working closely Alcoholics Anonymous and other groups like it to help these individuals before they find themselves in more trouble with their addictions and the law," Hitt said.
Law enforcement officials agree most crimes are connected to drug and alcohol abuse. This program helps individuals before they commit the big felony crime and land in district and circuit court.
The program, called Alcohol and Substance Abuse Recovery Resources, will kick off later this month at a pep rally to get participants excited about getting clean and sober.
"September is National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Recovery month, and there's no better time to get started," Hitt said.
The new program will be funded through the municipal court system in Russellville.