FAIRFAX, Va. — Nick Yacoub no longer hates the person he sees in the mirror.
Eight years into his recovery for heroin addiction, he says the biggest gift is self-acceptance.
“I’m actually comfortable in my own skin today, which anyone who’s struggling with the disease of addiction knows exactly what that’s all about,” says Yacoub, wearing a black T-shirt that says”Got Recovery?”
Now a recovery coach, he shares his personal story as police and prosecutors in Northern Virginia announce an innovative way to deal with the growing problem of heroin addiction.
On Wednesday, police officers and detectives throughout the region obtained warrants for a roundup of heroin users.
Some were offered an option: immediately go into substance abuse treatment, for the chance to avoid prosecution.
“Not everybody qualifies for the diversion program,” said Fairfax County police Capt. Jack Hardin, commander of the organized crime and narcotics unit, during a news conference at the Community Services Board facility at Merrifield Center.
“It’s usually low level users and possessors of heroin.”
Suspects who distribute the drug are not eligible for the diversion program.
In this week’s targeted arrests, 12 arrestees were evaluated, and five were transported to the Merrifield Crisis Response Center. Three other arrestees turned themselves within the next 24 hours.
Those who are determined to be eligible for the program get one chance to complete the addiction treatment, says Hardin.
“We’re not going to prosecute you at this time, but if something happens later and you violate what you say you’re going to do, we can come back and prosecute you for that.”
Agencies involved in the program include police departments from Vienna, Herndon, Fairfax City, Alexandria, Prince William County, Manassas City, Manassas Park, Loudoun County, Falls Church, Arlington, and Virginia State Police.
