Graduating from treatment court is a long and often difficult journey.
The program, which accepts non-violent offenders who have either committed a drug-related crime or whose crime is related to substance abuse, takes 18-24 months; more depending on an individual’s progress.
The route wasn’t a straight line for Josh Heine, who graduated from Rice County Treatment Court late last month. But Judge Jeffrey M. Johnson knew Heine would succeed the moment Heine reported thinking about repeating past behaviors.
Identifying and sharing those thoughts were critical to maintaining his sobriety, said Johnson, who with Judge Karie M. Anderson oversees the county Treatment Court.
“You’re there to help other people, support other people and give to other people,” said Johnson. “That speaks to who you are as a human being and a father.”
Since his admission to Treatment Court, Heine has regained the trust of his family and the community. He’s gotten his driver’s license back, found real friends and become a peer recovery specialist.
“I’m so, so proud of you. I’m so glad you got sober so we can have our family back,” said Beverly Haugen, Heine’s grandmother, who he calls his biggest supporter. “I’m so grateful for all the help he’s gotten and I’m so grateful, Josh, you responded to everyone trying to help. I love you so much. I knew you’d make it.”
Heine told those gathered for his graduation that he feels “very lucky.”
“I just want to say thank you to everyone. It was a rough start in the beginning. You just have to have that connection and ask for help.”
