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The Drug Recovery Court model is a unique, non-adversarial, therapeutic approach to dealing with individuals whose crimes are directly related to their substance problems. Intensive outpatient treatment is provided utilizing evidence-based curriculums such as Hazelden’s Co-Occuring Disorders, Matrix for Criminal Justice Clients, and MRT. Additionally participants are provided education using 12 Step Recovery, Life Skills, and Thinking for Good.

The Fourth Judicial District Drug Recovery Court is a four-phase intervention program for non-violent adult felons that provides frequent judicial supervision, substance abuse treatment, and intensive monitoring in an effort to reduce crime and addiction. Our goal is to improve individuals’ quality of life and return them to our community as drug-free, productive, and responsible citizens.

In order to be eligible for the Fourth Judicial District Drug Recovery Court Program you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be chemically dependent
• Must reside in Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson, or Sevier counties
• Must have no convictions for crimes involving violence
• Must not have any sexual offense charges or convictions
• Must have a sentence of at least 2 years
• Must not be on probation in another jurisdiction or having pending charges in another jurisdiction
• Must be honest and willing to participate and comply with the intensive Drug Recovery Court program requirements

Application is limited to those whose current offense is a result of substance abuse and whose sentence is statutorily eligible for probation. An application may be submitted by the applicant, the applicant’s attorney, the applicant’s probation officer, a mental health counselor, or a member of law enforcement.

An individual must first complete and submit a referral application to the program Director. A criminal history check will then be conducted to determine if the applicant is eligible or ineligible. Once that has been completed, the applicant will be interviewed by Drug Recovery Court staff to make sure the applicant understands the program and to determine the individual’s motivation for change. When that has been successfully completed, a treatment professional will conduct an alcohol and drug assessment.

All the information gathered will then be presented to the Drug Recovery Court Team and the Team will decide whether the applicant is to be admitted to the program or not.

Not all applicants are accepted, nor do applicants have a legal right to participate in the Drug Recovery Court program as a sentence alternative. Only individuals who are willing to undertake the rigorous requirements of the program and dedicate themselves to making a life change will be admitted. The length of this program is a minimum of 18 months long followed by one year of the aftercare program.