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So many people get caught in the loop of addiction and crime. The loop is like quicksand that takes everything from those in its grip. James McCartney was caught in that grip of drinking and using for nearly 42 years, until one day in prison he realized he had to get out. That’s when he got involved with the TRUST program (Team Recovery Under Structured Treatment) a program at the prison that taught him smart recovery coping strategies. While in the program, he learned about the Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) program from assistant District Court administrator DeDe Parker. He requested to be admitted into the program. After successfully completing several months of intensive treatment through MAT, he graduated. His transformation is nothing short of miraculous. Prior to his recovery, he had not held a job for more than 15 years. He is now works at a Splash and Dash Car Wash and he gives back through the Hope for Prisoners program.

James is inspiration to those who struggle with addiction. He is inviting others who have completed the MAT program to come together for an alumni gathering on June 12, at noon, in Lorenzi Park. His goal is to build community and support. He believes those struggling with substance abuse need more than just a sponsor. That is something he learned in his own recovery. He said, “I want to put a face on recovery for the community, because we do recover. We have a stigma that a lot of people can’t relate to.” His hope is that he can change that. James shares that he’s been clean for three years. “I finally have my life back. I am fresh in my recovery, because I used for so long. Addiction is terrible, it consumes your soul and your mind.”

When asked who should come to the gathering that will have free food, a deejay and welcoming environment, he said, “Of course the graduates, and people still in the program; so they can meet the people who finished the program, so they could learn something.” He adds, “People can change if they want to. It’s not cookie-cutter. For me, it’s life or death. I’ve been legally dead before. For me, going back to prison would be a life-sentence.”

James got in the MAT program and completed his treatment at Crossroads. MAT court is comprehensive specialty court prevention plan with medically assisted treatment for opiate abuse among those who are re-entering the community after incarceration. Judge Christina Silva presides over the MAT court that is turning lives around.

“These are people that really touch my life,” said James. “I looked forward to seeing Judge Silva every two weeks.” James now wants to pay it forward. “I want to get into the field of helping people out of their addiction.”  He does peer support through the Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental Health and Addiction (LIMA) program and helps people in CCDC. The LIMA Program is a nine to 12 month pre-booking diversion program developed to address low-level drug crimes.

“It is great to see James work to help those following in the difficult footsteps of recovery. It’s a tough road and every bit of support is important, especially in light of the pandemic,” said Judge Silva. “I am very proud of James and I hope current MAT Court participants are inspired by James and the other graduates who are shining examples of commitment to recovery and success.”

“I am so passionate about helping others out of their addictions if they want to,” said James. “I ask them what they want,” while noting that people don’t want to be told what to do. “I love it. It fills my heart with joy. I get my happiness through other people’s happiness. Especially if I helped to make it happen. I get my joy from giving back.”

He jokes about how long it took him to get into recovery. “People asked, where’s your rock bottom? I told them, I’m digging a hole to China.”

Those who want to learn about the MAT Alumni Gathering can visit the Facebook page at https://fb.me/e/17GDleFlM

An estimated 65 percent of individuals in U.S. prisons and jails have a substance abuse disorder. Opioids rank high as their drug of choice. Medically assisted treatment paired with counseling treatment, has proven to be an effective way to address addiction, put a dent in the opioid epidemic and stem the related criminal activity. Effective treatment provides better results at a lower cost than repeated incarceration.

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