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Woman, 38, can't explain why she just started heroin
By Joe Gorman
YOUNGSTOWN
Although no addict’s story is typical, Teresa Hooks’ tale is a little unusual.
She did not try heroin until she was 37 and was addicted for a year. She appeared in municipal court Thursday to plead no contest to a charge of possession of a drug-abuse instrument.
Judge Elizabeth Kobly was taken aback when she found out Hooks, now 38, had started on the drug at such a late age.
“What a stupid thing you have done,” the judge said.
Hooks agreed.
“I’ve told myself that a million times,” Hooks said.
“I mean, this is a stupid teenage thing,” Judge Kobly said. “Heroin doesn’t let anyone go.”
Hooks, of New Castle, Pa., was arrested in a traffic stop May 21, with her sister, Shannon Hooks, 34, on the South Side. Inside their car police found seven syringes and a burnt spoon. Reports said Shannon Hooks told police she and her sister had used heroin earlier in the day and that they spent about $100 a day supporting the habit.
Court records show Shannon Hooks did not show up for a court appearance June 11 and a warrant has been issued for her arrest. She faces charges of possession of a drug-abuse instrument and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Since her arrest, Teresa Hooks has checked herself into a treatment center. She told the judge she has no money, and her stepfather supports her. She said she has two children, age 21 and 12, and she sent the 12-year-old with her father because she did not want the child around her while she was using drugs.
“She shouldn’t be with me,” Hooks said. “I know enough to not have her around me when I’m doing something stupid.”
When asked why she started using the drug at this stage of her life, Hooks said: “I just did it because my friends were doing it.”
Hooks said a counselor told her that it is harder for someone to kick a heroin habit when they start it later in life.
Judge Kobly found Hooks guilty on the drug-abuse instrument charge and sentenced her to a year’s probation with random drug and alcohol screenings. The judge warned her if she tests positive, she will be brought back and serve the entire 90-day sentence the charge carries.