Report: Pot, cocaine leading drugs to land people in rehab court in Kane

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

GENEVA – Cocaine and marijuana are the drugs of choice for local residents in drug rehabilitation court, according to a report submitted Friday to the Kane County Board Judicial and Safety Committee.

The report, presented by the Kane County Court Services Administration, shows that of the 153 active participants in the drug rehabilitation program, 39 percent — 59 people — said that cocaine was the drug they used most. Some 25 percent — 39 people — named marijuana as their most-used drug and 24 percent listed heroin, the report said.

Nine drug court participants reported prescription drugs were the ones they abused most. One participant said methadone and nine people listed alcohol, according the report.

The court allows those charged with nonviolent drug crimes a chance to stay out of prison or jail. Weekly court dates, rehabilitation, fees, fines, drug tests and probation all are requirements participants must fulfill in an effort to get their lives on track and their families back together.

The southern part of Kane County had the most residents participating in the program, about 37 percent, the report said. Aurora led with 51 people followed by Elgin with 40 and St. Charles with 18.

There were are a total of 180 people in drug rehabilitation court as of Nov. 8, with 25 cases pending and two transferred. According to the report, 67 percent of the active cases are men with women at 33 percent.

In October, the drug rehabilitation court had 13 people graduate, successfully completing the program.

More than half of the participants in the current drug court are Caucasian — 59 percent. Caucasian males lead with 41 percent of the 153 active cases, according to the report. African Americans make up about 21 percent and Hispanics comprise 20 percent.

As of the most recent numbers there were no Asians, male or female, in drug rehabilitation court.