OKC DUI Court Helps Treat Alcohol Addiction, Limit Drunk Driving

Drinking and driving carries life and death consequences. Law enforcement officials routinely warn people about the dangers of drinking and driving.   

The Oklahoma County’s Drug Court leader said warnings are not enough -- when the problem is addiction.   

This weekend is a cause for celebration. The New Year’s holiday comes with a common message from law enforcement officers like Oklahoma County Sheriff’s deputy Aaron Brilbeck.   

“We just want you to do so responsibly,” Brilbeck said. “There’s plenty of reasons out there for you not to drive while intoxicated.”  

That message also comes from people behind the courthouse, like David Gilbert.   

“You’re behind the wheel of a one-to-two-ton missile,” Gilbert said. 

In the U.S., drunk driving kills one person every 45 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  

“You just can’t make the right decisions,” Gilbert said. 

Gilbert is the program coordinator at the Oklahoma County Drug Court.   

“We’re trying to heal our community through healing addiction.”  

His program focuses on treatment instead of jail time.  

“Putting them in penitentiaries is not working,” Gilbert said. 

Gilbert speaks from experience.   

“I’m also a graduate,” he said. 

Gilbert struggled with alcohol for 20 years. 

“Yes, I have been charged with three DUIs,” Gilbert said. 

Of course, there is no shortage of consequences.   

“A thousand dollar fine and up to a year in jail, on up to killing somebody,” Brilbeck said.

Gilbert talked about the natural consequences this behavior can bring. 

“The natural consequences of losing complete relationship with my family,” Gilbert said. 

However, telling someone to stop drinking only drives the point so far. 

“We can’t change anybody -- but what we can do – is we can instill hope,” Gilbert said. 

 Hope from a community willing to support those with a long road ahead.   

“Just love and support them,” Gilbert said. 

Connection to guide a person out of harm's way and to a better path forward. 

“This program literally saved my life,” Gilbert said. 

Gilbert said 83 percent of Oklahoma’s Drug Court participants graduate -- just like himself.