Catholic Charities, Inc.

Jerry’s addiction to marijuana began when he was only 12 years old. After smoking his first time with a neighbor, Jerry got caught up in the cycle and used often. After getting caught in 8th grade, he quit for one year, but soon started the habit up again.

Jerry’s relationship with his father was strained as a result of Jerry’s addiction. “Before I started using drugs our relationship was good and we would go fishing,” Jerry says. “But we argued a lot when I was using and he made a lot of attempts to get me help.”

Eventually Jerry got caught stealing and was arrested after the police found a marijuana pipe on him.  He was put on probation, but after he violated the probation by failing multiple drug tests, he was sent to the Douglas County Youth Center for a four-month lock-up.  After being released from the youth center, Jerry was sent to Journeys.

Jerry credits overcoming his addiction with the time he spent at the Douglas County Youth Center and at Journeys. “At Journeys I learned that marijuana has a really strong mental addiction and the mental addiction can be just as strong as the physical addiction,” Jerry says.

Today, Jerry is a senior in high school and will graduate in May. He enjoys basketball and hanging out with his friends. He hopes to go to college and eventually work as a botanist.