By Julie Weier, Inyo County Probation Deputy Chief Probation Officer. Additional messaging by CPOC.

Recovery is an act of self-love, a reclaiming of your life and a new beginning full of possibilities. Anthony Brown created a new life 15 years ago when he entered the Inyo County Probation Drug Court program in 2009 and dedicated himself to a life of sobriety, forgiveness and living with a purpose. Mr. Brown successfully completed the program in June of 2011.

When Mr. Brown was asked what has been the biggest struggle during the past 15 years of recovery he said, “Stress. Stressful situations that come up. The loss of our son that was one. Getting back in that mind set of ‘why not’. Thats why I used back then, to not deal with emotions and to hide from things. But once I decided to be sober, I was sober!”

When Mr. Brown was asked what message he would like to deliver to those currently fighting drug/alcohol addiction, he responded:

“Be kind to yourself. Give yourself a break. Just know that it can be done and don’t be so hard on yourself. You know you can make your own future by doing things you want to do.” 

I appreciate the time given by Mr. Brown to speak with me and want to share that we at the Inyo County Probation Department congratulate you for your 15 year milestone. Sobriety is more than just not drinking or using drugs. It is about living life, living life to the fullest, and living with purpose. You will always be successful when your sobriety is rooted in something bigger than yourself.

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Drug Courts allow participants an opportunity to participate in evidence-based treatment models as an alternative to traditional court processing. Successful completion of drug court programs drops the felony re-arrest rate from 40% to 12%.

Probation Officers who are a part of a collaborative Court team have additional responsibilities than other officers. They have regular team meetings, more Court appearances, and additional assessments and other paperwork to be completed. 

Inyo County Probation is fortunate to have officers that are willing to put in the extra work to help all participants succeed and make changes for the betterment of themselves and the community. 

Opportunity and accountability gives individuals a chance to rehabilitate and change their lives away from drugs and crime.

Information taken from Inyo County Probation social media. Then and now photos courtesy of Anthony Brown.