The session included addresses delivered by actor Christian Slater and drug court graduate Anthony Anderson. Both men shared their stories of addiction and recovery. Although the two come from different backgrounds and experience, their stories are remarkably similar and today they are both drug-free. Christian Slater in front of a room full of judges and not being handed a sentence of some sort is a true miracle, and a sign that the system does work. Although the actor has not been through the treatment court system, he was impressed with the enthusiasm and expertise of the professionals in attendance and came away from the conference positive about the future of drug treatment court.
Addicts are human beings who have fallen off the path and drug courts are the solution.
Slater was followed by Anthony Anderson, a graduate of the Lackawanna City Drug Treatment Court, Anderson cited his personal relationship with Judge Frederic Marrano as one of the main reasons for his successful recovery. He also relayed how his attitude on life has changed since experiencing drug court. Those things are only happening because I'm making good decisions today. The New York Association of Drug Treatment Court Professionals would like to extend a special thanks to all of this year's attendees, without whom the conference could not have been such a success.