Sirena Ray began the Rockdale County Juvenile Drug Court program in May 2013 and graduated in June 2014. Sirena and her twin sister, Sierra, were referred to the Rockdale County Juvenile Court after they stole large quantities of over the counter medication (Dextromethorphan) with the intention of “getting high”. At that time, Sirena and her sister had been abusing substances for a couple of years and she began the Juvenile Drug Court program with the intention to receive interventions for substance abuse such as counseling to ultimately have her charges dismissed.

At present, two years after graduating from the Juvenile Drug Court program, she has her high school diploma and she continues to remain drug free. She is currently pursuing her license to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and her long-term goal is to become a Registered Nurse.

Sirena wanted to give some insight about her battles with teen substance abuse and let others know what helped her to get to where she is today.

Juvenile Drug Court Coordinator (JDCC): Tell us a little bit about where you were in your life when you came into the Juvenile Drug Court program.

Sirena: I was doing drugs, skipping school…I didn’t really care about what anyone thought. I thought I was grown and thought I knew everything. I started using [drugs] when I was 13 years old and was smoking marijuana almost every day. At first I thought the Drug Court program was stupid and I didn’t want to be told what to do or to have to listen to someone who was not my parent. I still wanted to do what I wanted to do. As for my grades, a majority of them were passing, but I was failing two classes and skipping school frequently.

JDCC: Tell us about your experience with substance abuse and addiction as an adolescent. How did drugs become a part of your life?

Sirena: I started hanging around friends who led me to smoking. This led me to keep on smoking. I just kept on wanting to get high after that. The more and more I smoked the more and more I wanted to keep on smoking. I was trying to get bigger and bigger highs. I liked the way I felt when I was high. Really, my life revolved around smoking and getting high. Everything I did revolved around smoking weed. I would say that I was definitely addicted. I thought I wasn’t though because it was just “weed”. I told everybody I wasn’t addicted, but that I just liked to smoke. I just thought it was something everybody does and loves to do. But as it became a serious interference in my life, I began to see that I was addicted. My parents tried to explain to me how I could not get what I wanted in life (job, etc.) because I was too focused on how I could continue my habit. I was worrying about finding fake urine to fool drug screens. My dad really helped to show me where my priorities were. My priorities were way messed up.

JDCC: What were the biggest challenges in your recovery?

Sirena: I had a real addiction problem to marijuana. I was sanctioned many times by the court because I kept getting into trouble. I tried to cheat my way through the program and would still fail. I still had the mindset of, “I could do whatever I wanted to do.” It was the addiction talking. Really, when I think about how I truly am, I would not have thought that way. I would not have wanted to be in a drug court program and be involved with the court system. Eventually I was getting into trouble all the time, and was tired of it. I had to have an ankle monitor, attend after school programs, and even got to the point to where I had to come to court and see the Judge every Monday. I had to go to jail and serve several weekends in the Rockdale Youth Detention Center. It was just A LOT. I was tired of having sanctions and having negative consequences. I finally realized that I wanted my freedom back and that my addiction was standing in the way.

JDCC: What did you find particularly helpful in your recovery process?

Sirena: My substance abuse counselors – the way they explained the process of addiction and what you’re doing to your body and your brain and how you’re doing it. It helped me to prepare for future temptations and how to cope and get out of those situations. The treatment also helped me to keep my distance from people who were smoking. I focused a lot on my schooling and future. Also, being in an accountability court program really helped me become more responsible. Drug court gave me some options and opportunity, whereas regular probation may not have addressed my issues as closely or have been as sensitive to my addiction. Drug court is very helpful in treating individuals with substance abuse issues and in getting those in recovery out of the criminal justice system. I did not want my addiction holding me back.

JDCC: How do you think your life would be different if you had not come into the program?

Sirena: I would either be in jail, lost my life, or be a more serious drug user. It has been really eye-opening, especially as I get older and see my other friends go through really tragic situations. Some of my best friends have lost their whole futures by going to prison. I feel like if they had gotten help it would not have escalated to that. I can see how important life is and how serious it is because we only have one life. At nineteen I have lost a best friend to gang violence and to long-term incarceration. Life is just too precious.

JDCC: Where are you at in your life now, nearly two years later?

Sirena: Currently I’m in nursing school working on becoming a CNA. The next step is going on to be a Patient Care Technician, and eventually become a Registered Nurse. I’m also getting married soon. I know I’m young, but I’m ready. My family loves him. We are hopefully moving to Texas to start our careers. That’s where I’m from.

JDCC: In looking back, what are your thoughts about the Rockdale County Juvenile Drug Court program?

Sirena: It’s the best program for any juvenile to go to. It is helpful because it basically teaches you that there is more to this world than just drugs and being addicted to drugs. It stopped me from getting in trouble at a young age and taught me before I became an adult what the law is and how to stay out of trouble as an adult.

JDCC: What would you tell parents of substance abusing youth?

Sirena: To find the closest drug court program! (laughs) Mentors and counseling definitely help, and getting your child into some sort of activity will help keep them motivated and on the right track. After school programs keep kids busy and off the streets. I would also tell parents not to give up. I’m a walking example that they can change, but it’s a long process. I’m thankful for my parents’ ongoing support throughout everything!

JDCC: What would you tell a youth who is struggling with substance abuse?

Sirena: The best thing for you to do is to go ahead and stop doing drugs. Further your education, because the first thing drugs are going to do is keep you from doing what you need to do to be successful. Focus on graduating school and being successful. Drugs will only get you into more and more trouble. Long-term it is only going to cause more issues and problems.

JDCC: Thanks, Sirena. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Sirena: I just wanted to say that I feel like the drug court program came into my life at a very important time. While in the program, my sister and I almost overdosed on Coricidin cold medication. We were trying to use as much as we had previously used to get high and had to go to the hospital and be treated for an overdose. This was a HUGE eye-opener. I could have died. After that happened I just really wanted to better myself and change my life around. Drug court made it possible to really change myself and to get to where I am today. I feel like without it I would be in jail or may have even overdosed and not be here today. The program helped to prepare me for a bright future and to be a successful adult far away from drugs and the criminal justice system! Thank you for believing in me.