Final installation in a series about a growing drug menace in Box Elder County.

Judge Kevin Allen of First District Court sees many cases each week, but he enjoys drug court the most. There is a different atmosphere there, one you won't find in civil or criminal court. Each participant stands before the judge, one on one. Allen chats with each person who comes before him, offering encouragement and guidance to a drug-free life. Success is met with applause from the entire courtroom.

"I love Utah, but in our generally charitable state, we’re quick to write people off," said Allen. "There is a large part of our society where kids are not given opportunities.... drug court gives them those opportunities now."

The single most difficult part of his job, Allen said, is seeing people fail. Unlike civil court, Allen gets to know each person who comes before him, week after week for more than a year. So he doesn't just celebrate their successes, it is really hard on him emotionally when he has to send one of the participants back to jail.

Allen said there are two reasons why the drug court is an overwhelmingly positive option for drug users. First, it saves taxpayers money -- they get out of jail, they get jobs, they pay taxes. The second is from a human being perspective.

"It is our responsibility to help the people who need to be helped," he said.

That single sentiment is the most frustrating to parents who have recently learned of a child’s drug use. Rocheal Redford is one such mother who tried to find help for her son before he was arrested two weeks ago.

Her son, Dustin Nelson, is a kindhearted, responsible young man who, even now, wants so much out of life. Nelson began using drugs in the tenth grade because it was “something to do.”

Now, at age 23, he has become a heroin addict. He wrote a letter to his mother last week, telling her the drug is a “demon.”

Redford, who’s sister died from a heroin overdose, desperately wants her son to get help before she loses him too. And at the same time, she is in a quandary, because she tried to get help for him once already. She is torn between wanting to help her son and maintaining a safe, drug-free environment at home for her daughter.

Several weeks ago, Nelson asked his mother for help with his addiction. Redford set him up with a clinic in Ogden, and maxed out her credit card on counseling and Seboxin, a drug often prescribed to help heroin addicts in their recovery.

She worked with the doctor there to get a month’s supply of the pills because with her insurance, the cost for a week’s worth is the same as a month’s worth. And, she helped with his groceries so he wouldn’t feel like he had to resort to selling to live.

Nelson swore to his mother that he was taking the pills, which are meant to minimize the effect of the drug. And yet, he relapsed. On August 12, he was taken into custody for probation violations and driving on a suspended license. Police say he was found with heroin in his possession. He has been charged with possession of a controlled substance. He is presently in Box Elder County Jail and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for next week.

In the meantime, Redford doesn’t know where to turn next and said it is hard for families to pick up the pieces.

“I’m at the point I don’t even want to go see him because I’m afraid he’ll just tell me more stories,” she said. “It hurts; it breaks your heart. You don’t know where to turn when the money isn’t there.”

Right now, Redford is trying to find some kind of support, not only for her son, but for herself. And if she can’t find something that meets her needs, then she has the support of her employer to form a group and use the Brigham City Senior Center to meet, as long as there is professional oversight.

Brock Alder, the director of the Bear River Health Department, Division of Substance Abuse, said the health department offers a broad spectrum of treatment options, from educational classes to residential treatment.

Payment for service varies, based on income, Alder said. And, those who are paying even a small amount for treatment are often more vested in their recovery. However, no one will be turned away because of inability to pay.

The health department also offers episodic services, two to four sessions in which an individual can come, talk about the issues they are experiencing, ask questions and see if it will be a comfortable fit for their family. There is also a 24-hour crisis hotline and counseling offered for family members as well.

“I’m hoping he’s hit rock bottom and really wants to get clean . . . I know I can’t take it anymore,” Redford said.