Press Release: Drug Court Facilitates New Recovery Support Groups in Ottawa County

January 20, 2016

Media Contact:
Andy Brown, Program Coordinator | Adult Drug Treatment Court
20th Judicial Circuit Court | Ottawa County 
Office: (616) 846-8352
Cell: (616) 312-4395

Drug Court Facilitates New Recovery Support Groups in Ottawa County

The 20th Circuit Court is pleased to announce the Adult Drug Treatment Court (drug court), a specialty program for non-violent felony offenders with acute substance use disorders, has been instrumental in the development of new peer-led recovery support groups in Ottawa County.

In partnership with Ottagan Addictions Recovery (OAR), peer recovery coaches Priscilla Shafor and Tony Sledge have started four new peer-led support groups for people who desire to overcome addiction from drugs or alcohol.  “Our groups add to the array of recovery services available to people in Ottawa County” says Shafor.  “Not everyone feels that traditional 12-step meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are the best fit for them.  The support groups we have offer an alternative way for people to overcome addiction and improve their lives.”

Tony Sledge says “Our support groups rely on a structured conversational format that use a variety of evidence-based practices to guide group discussion, learn about addiction, and offer constructive feedback that leads to personal change.” 

Support group meetings are being held in Holland, Grand Haven, and West Olive.  You are encouraged to contact Ottagan Addictions Recovery at 616-396-5284 for more information about these groups.

The work of the drug court’s peer recovery coaches is funded by a 3-year federal grant from SAMHSA, designed to enhance substance use disorder treatment services available to the drug court.  The drug court’s day-to-day operations, however, remain dependent on state grant dollars and the financial support of Ottawa County.