In this week's episode of King County Recovery Conversations, we revisit "Inside King County’s Drug Court: A Pathway to Recovery and Transformation". Join host Brad Finegood on King County Recovery Conversations as he delves into the transformative impact of King County's Drug Court program with guests Joe Barsana and Lizzy DesChane. Joe shares his personal journey of recovery through the structured support of Drug Court, highlighting how it reshaped his life with tailored treatments and relentless encouragement. Lizzy, a seasoned Treatment Coordinator, emphasizes the integral role of evidence-based interventions and community support in fostering recovery and reducing recidivism.

This episode’s discussion underscores the importance of viewing substance use disorder through a therapeutic lens rather than a punitive one, advocating for treatment over incarceration. The speakers share insights on the program's innovative use of peer support and positive reinforcement which motivate participants, and clear up misconceptions surrounding the impact and operation of drug courts.

Resources from the episode:

- Learn more about King County's Drug Court: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dja/courts-jails-legal-system/courts-drugcourt/drug-court

- Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/

-The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/

-If you are experiencing substance, use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the ⁠Washington Recovery Helpline⁠ for resources and a 24-hour helpline: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠).

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at ⁠heather@kcrecovery.org⁠.