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Drug Treatment Court sees success

Behrends graduates from intensive program

-Messenger photo by Peter Kaspari Chase Behrends, of Fort Dodge, gives a thumbs up as he poses for a photo with his fiancee, Sharay Benge, of Des Moines. Behrends graduated from Webster County Drug Treatment Court on Friday. He said the court helped him turn his life around.

It was a day of celebration in a Webster County courtroom Friday as Chase Behrends became the latest graduate in the intensive Webster County Drug Treatment Court program.

Behrends, of Fort Dodge, took part in the voluntary program to both kick his substance abuse problems and to avoid going to prison.

“My life is happy,” Behrends said during the ceremony Friday.

Taking part in Drug Treatment Court has allowed Behrends to build a foundation for his recovery.

He said he has been sober for 467 days.

-Messenger photo by Peter Kaspari Attorney Darren Driscoll, of Fort Dodge, cuts a slice of cake during a Drug Treatment Court graduation ceremony Friday. Driscoll is a member of the court’s treatment team.

“It’s allowed me to start my foundation and build myself up for so many months,” Behrends said.

Since his entry into Drug Treatment Court, not only has Behrends secured a job, but he told the court and treatment team that he has also re-enrolled in school in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning program.

But he hasn’t done it alone, he said.

He’s met others who are in the same situation as him, and they’ve all become friends.

“I get to have a lot of fun,” he said, adding that he and his friends will go biking together, among other activities.

The treatment team also had praise for Behrends.

Hans Becker, an assistant Webster County attorney, said Behrends is very honest when he speaks.

“You come up and are honest with us,” he said. “There’s a realness and genuineness about you.”

Attorney Darren Driscoll, of Fort Dodge, said not only has Behrends inspired the treatment team, but the other members of Drug Treatment Court as well.

“If I can’t get ahold of them, the first person I text or call is Chase,” Driscoll said, adding that the others enrolled in the court trust Behrends very much.

“I’m so proud of you,” Driscoll added. “You did the hard work.”

Chief District Court Judge Kurt Wilke, who presides over Drug Treatment Court, also praised Behrends.

Wilke said when Behrends first began court, some on the treatment team were skeptical that he would be a good candidate for the program.

But Behrends proved them wrong.

“He’s producing for society instead of taking away from society,” Wilke said.

He went on to say that Behrends is the perfect example of how Drug Treatment Courts can work.

“You are someone who makes this court worthwhile,” Wilke said.

Behrends also offered advice to those still in the court, saying they need to make an effort if they want to see themselves succeed.

“Work towards enjoying your recovery,” he said.

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