NADCP News: "Millions Around the World Learn that ‘Drug Courts Save’ During Special Edition of CNN’s Piers Morgan Live"

"Millions Around the World Learn that ‘Drug Courts Save’ 

During Special Edition of CNN’s Piers Morgan Live"

On Friday, CNN’s Piers Morgan Live devoted nearly ten minutes to talking Drug Courts in front of a worldwide audience of millions tuning in from over 200 countries. As guest host, All Rise Ambassador Matthew Perry chose to devote part of the show to Drug Courts, saying “there is a tremendous amount of hope and people can change. I want that message out there.” By the conclusion of the segment the message was loud and clear: Drug Courts are the most effective solution for treating seriously addicted offenders.

The segment featured NADCP CEO West Huddleston, who explained to the audience what Drug Courts are, how they work, and why they are successful. “75% of our graduates never see another pair of handcuffs…but that doesn’t tell the entire story. We cut crime in half compared to jail or prisons..and that saves tax payers a ton of money,” he said as pictures of Drug Courts in action flashed on the screen. Viewers were then introduced to one of the countless lives that have been saved by Drug Courts. Alby Zweig graduated from the Denver Drug Court in 1997 after nearly a decade addicted to heroin. He told viewers about how Drug Courts helped him get back all he had lost due to addiction. Zweig explained that after Drug Court he put himself through law school, became a Public Defender in the same office that represented him and was recently appointed Magistrate of the same Drug Court that saved his life.  Renowned treatment and recovery expert and CEO of Promises Treatment Centers Dr. David Sack was also on hand. Dr. Sack spoke one on one with Perry about addiction, and was a part of the panel discussion on Drug Courts.