SOBER Court

SPECIALTY COURTS WE SERVE

SOBER Court

The Saving Ourselves by Education and Recovery (SOBER) DWI Court is designed for use by the County Criminal Courts of Harris County as a sentencing alternative to incarceration. This program involves collaboration with other criminal justice stakeholders working together with the common goals of changing the client’s behavior and effecting a reduction in DWI recidivism by identifying and addressing the root cause(s) of the problem of abuse.

SOBER Court is a judicially monitored program of treatment and intensive community supervision within the Harris County Criminal Justice System. SOBER Court is an intervention program for high-risk DWI offenders arrested in Harris County. The amount of time the client spends in the program ranges from nine to 16 months. The program is voluntary and is the client's personal choice. The Sober Court Team will be present to guide and assist the client, but the final responsibility is the client's. One must learn and be motivated to make this change and commit to a sober and crime-free life.

PROGRAM NEEDS

  • Transitional living housing
  • Specialized counseling such as grief, trauma resolution
  • Houston METRO bus passes
  • Starter hygiene kits
  • Registration for clients to participate in Houston Run for Recovery
  • Registration for clients to participate in a sober events such as a Recovery Comedian, Sober New Year's Eve, Sober Recreation Committee Team/Tournament
  • Client journals
  • Pocket calendars
  • Quarterly graduation refreshment sponsor
  • 12 Step coins
  • Meditation books

SUCCESS STORIES

Jackie
Ms. Jackie started SOBER Court in 2019. She was struggling with mental health issues and an addiction to alcohol, oxycodone, and pain medications. Jackie admitted that she would take up to 10 oxycodone in one sitting. In the past, she had attempted suicide due to her health issues, and while in the program she continued to have suicidal ideations. Jackie was linked with the Harris Center, Neuro Psychiatric Center, and West Park Springs to assist with her mental health. She is now 14 months sober from alcohol and 11.5 months sober from oxycodone. 
 
“I started the program when I was at the lowest point of my life. I was so depressed. I was on medication, alcohol, and weed. I did not think I could do a week sober. I had no self-control. I felt like life was not worth it at all,” says Ms. Jackie. “Now, I am a year sober from alcohol and oxy. It’s incredible. I feel normal. I do not imagine going back. My mental health is where it should be. I gained trust over Judge Salgado, CSO, and Counselor. You guys care and I feel like you guys are in my corner. Now I feel happy and lifted. I love this SOBER Court program, it saved my life." 
Alvear
Alvear entered the Harris County SOBER Court program in June 2019. She tested positive for cocaine twice and alcohol once and was then sent to us for a higher level of care. Alvear reported on time and explained to CSO that she wanted to make a permanent change in her life. She was going through a divorce, which was finalized while participating in SOBER Court. She is also a single mother, but nothing can hold her back. She is absolutely fearless and resilient!
 
Alvear was working as a bartender, but quit in order to stay sober and improve her peer association. This was difficult for her, but she started to choose herself and sobriety first. She reported to community support groups as needed, exercised, engaged in treatment and really worked the program for her own benefit. Alvear is leading the alumni meeting this month and is wanting to plan a sober event before she completes her term. Not only has she stayed sober, but she enrolled into Lone Star Community College this year. We have watched her mature into a pro-social and sober woman and seen her excitement to be sober, stay sober and continue the steps that got her to this place of peace as her community supervision comes to an end.
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