HUTCHINSON – Most every community is struggling with dealing with those addicted to drugs whether it be methamphetamine, opioids or some other drugs — and Reno County is no exception.

While many end up serving time in prison, the Reno County Drug Court is attempting to help those addicted avoid prison time. It was started several years ago in Reno County and has a good success rate, officials say.

Deputy District Attorney Tom Stanton, who helped get the program started locally, said the program is for a selected group of drug users.

“The regular court works for some people, but for what we call high-risk, high-needs individuals … Drug Court is the answer,” he said. “I’ve become convinced of that over the years, not only by the science I have been able to review regarding drug court and regarding drug addiction, but also what I have seen happen in our drug court.”

He said Drug Court involves a group of people who work as a team to help those who are addicted. That includes Reno County District Judge Joe McCarville, Stanton, defense attorneys, and Reno County Community Corrections, which includes both those who work with drug treatment as well as mental health and law enforcement.

Stanton said this is a way to help keep those addicted to drugs become clean and possibly avoid prison.

“The whole idea behind Drug Court is to take people who are likely to keep re-offending because of their drug addiction and change their lives,” Stanton said.

He said some of the participants have become productive citizens in the community — holding down jobs, getting treatment and avoiding the criminal justice system.

Stanton admitted some are not successful in Drug Court, but he said an increasing number are completing the program successfully.