‘I was a miserable person’: Drug Court graduate says journey wasn’t easy but well worth it

QUINCY — Tashia Decker will never forget what her life was like before she sentenced to Adams County Drug Court on March 5, 2020.

“I started out with nothing,” she said Wednesday. “I had no place to live, I didn’t have my children, I didn’t have a job, I did not have a car. Now I have all those things today.

“I was a miserable person. I was in the dark. Drug Court has brought out the true me that I used to be before using (drugs).”

Decker, 44, was the only graduate of Drug Court during Wednesday’s recognition in Courtroom 1A in the Adams County Courthouse. Gail Westerhoff, problem solving court coordinator for the Adams County Probation Department, said 119 people have graduated from Drug Court since its creation in 2006.

Westerhoff says she asks a lot from the Drug Court participants — coming to court every week, meeting with their probation officer every week, going to substance abuse treatment, attending self-help meetings and support meetings and being prepared to submit at any time to a urinalysis.

“They do all these things while learning how to think differently and respond to challenges differently, all while often trying to reunify their family, be a parent, work a job or go to school,” Westerhoff said.

Decker ‘didn’t think she would make it’ in Drug Court

What made Decker’s graduation special was that she did all of those things during the pandemic.

“She started (Drug Court) when we weren’t able to offer the normal support and structure that we’d like to offer,” Westerhoff said. “Well, she hung in there, and she worked as hard as she could. She has earned this graduation.”

Decker was arrested for possession of meth four times between November 2016 and December 2019. She said she was “mad” when she learned she would have to attend Drug Court.

“I didn’t think I would make it,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d be able to stop using. If I couldn’t stop using for my children, what makes you think I can just stop using for myself? But they gave me the tools, and I was able to succeed.”

Westerhoff says Decker completed 114 drug screenings since March 2020 and has been sober for 178 days.

Judge Debra Wellborn, who presides over Drug Court, offered encouraging words for Decker on her graduation day.

“Today I hope is that amazing next step for you,” Wellborn said. “More than just your sobriety, it’s how you choose to live your life. I have seen an amazing change in a wonderful woman, everything I could imagine. I just don’t want you ever to forget how strong you are, and I will continue to always keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

“Generally I don’t put it this way, but I know you’ve got this.”

Decker appreciated support and encouragement

Facing a packed courtroom, Decker addressed and thanked members of the Adams County Probation Department, the Drug Court team and past Drug Court graduates and current participants. 

“The support and encouragement for all these months has made it possible for me to have this new life,” she said in her speech. “The most important thing I learned is you must have a strong support system to succeed and continue to progress in life with this disease. Being honest, open-minded and willing to lead to a new, prosperous life. I’ve learned to reach out when I need help and advice to stay sober. 

“This journey wasn’t easy by far, but it was well worth it. I regained my core values and fought hard to find myself again. I’m glad I was able to accomplish something so life changing and important. Drug Court was not a punishment. It was an opportunity to change my life to become the best version of myself.”

Decker said the Department of Child and Family Services took away her children — now ages 24, 11 and 9 — as she struggled with drug problems.

“I had a lot of sleepless nights prior to me being in Drug Court,” she said. “Since I’ve made such a remarkable change, I was able to be reunited with (her children).”

Decker didn’t offer specific plans for what’s next in her life — except to stay sober.

“I’m going to meetings with my Recovery Anonymous family,” she said. “I love them, and they keep me on the right path. I’m just keeping my mind busy and thinking about all the success I’ve had and all the things I’ve got in my life that I didn’t have when I started this journey.”