AUDIO – BE OF GOOD CHEER –
July 10, 2025 – After Alyssa Young was arrested for stealing in 2024, Young was given a choice to go to prison or to participate in a Tooele County drug court recovery program, with Valley Behavioral Health. She considered prison — people had told her prison is easier to deal with and she had heard horrible things about drug court.
When she was 21, a boyfriend introduced her to drugs, and eventually, Young became addicted to fentanyl and methamphetamine. Her addiction led her down a road of crime, as she began stealing food, IDs and more. She was arrested and was spending time in jail.
After she was arrested for stealing in 2024, Young was given a choice to go to prison or to participate in a Tooele County drug court recovery program, with Valley Behavioral Health. She considered prison — people had told her prison is easier to deal with and she had heard horrible things about drug court.
Young decided, instead, to change her life. She chose the recovery program and is now 459 days sober. She has started college and hopes to get a degree in social work, with a focus on substance abuse work. Young hopes to support and celebrate others who are also struggling with addiction.
