TIFTON — The Tift County DUI-Drug Court and OASIS Recovery Center are working to help those who are either struggling with addiction or are in recovery form addition, and are holding two special events during the last week of February.

Judge Herbert Benson is the judge presiding over the Tift County DUI-Drug Court and works closely with OASIS Recovery Center. Benson said that former Atlanta Braves player Otis Nixon will be a special guest at both events.

The Tift County DUI-Drug Court will hold a graduation for participants who have completed the program on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center.

According to Benson, the program itself takes a minimum of 12 months to complete and requires participants to undergo both individual and group counseling, submit to random drug testing, and attend court two times each month for updates. There are 10 participants who are eligible to attend this graduation ceremony, according to Benson.

Nixon will be the keynote speaker at the DUI-drug court graduation and will discuss his troubles with substance abuse and his road to recovery. He will also be giving each of the graduates a copy of his book “Keeping It Real” which shares his personal insight into how his addiction began and the obstacles he has overcome to enjoy a sober lifestyle.

Nixon will also speak on Feb. 27 at the First Anniversary Celebration at OASIS Recovery Community Organization. The celebration will begin at 6 p.m.  

According to Benson, OASIS opened its doors in December 2018 but was not fully operational until February 2019.

OASIS provides support services for those in recovery (including providing transportation to work and recovery meetings), help with finding employment and housing and a safe place to relax rather than returning to the old places that helped feed their addiction.  

While it is not a rehabilitation center, it does assist those seeking rehab to find an appropriate center.

OASIS is located at 902 South Main St.