Drug Treatment Court graduate vows to stay clean

When Yanique walked the stage to collect her Peer Supporter Award at Tuesday's Drug Treatment Court graduation at the Alhambra Inn, the National Council on Drug Abuse council members cheered for her the loudest.

After the ceremony, Yanique told THE WEEKEND STAR she has made up her mind that she's never going back to her vices.

"Mi nah smoke again and mi nah drink again. God give mi a second chance, so mi not going mess it up," she said. The 39-year-old mother joined the Drug Treatment Court in 2022 after a lawyer requested that her case be transferred.

"I was in a little situation where I had court going on, and my lawyer asked them to turn it over to the Drug Treatment Court so that I don't have it on my record, that's how I got in the programme," she said. Now, nearly three years later, Yanique said her attitude and lifestyle are completely different.

"My friends dem see a lot of changes in me, mi deal with them better overall, and the mindset just different now," she said.

"I'm a completey changed Yanique. How mi fi get this opportunity and then put myself in a problem again? If it wasn't for my lawyer and the programme I would not be here."

The Drug Treatment Court, she explained, doesn't only focus on addiction, but also helps participants build life skills and confidence.

"People think the worst when dem hear 'Drug Treatment Court'. Dem feel like it's only fi people weh deh pon hard drugs, but it's not about that. It's about how you deal with situations, how you deal with people, and learning to control your anger," she explained. She praised the programme for the opportunities it provides to help participants rebuild their lives.

"At first mi did feel like it bad, but then mi see say a fi mi own good," said Pinnock. "It send you back to school, and if you have a business, dem offer you grants fi further it. If you like to stay inna di dark, dem show you how fi show up and put yourself out there."

Yanique being serious about not going back to her former life was evident as she earned the Peer Supporter Award, which recognises participants who motivate and encourage their peers not to relapse. Now sober, focused, and full of gratitude, Yanique said she is determined to stay on the right path.

"Mi neva a go back weh mi a come from. Mi done wid di drinking, mi done wid di smoking and mi learn how fi deal with people better. Mi life different now."