Drunk defendant appears before Judge Simpson 

The Judge has an absolutely brilliant sense of fairness, clarity and compassion.

My grandfather told me “don’t think just because you’re knee deep in shit that it can’t get worse. Because, just one more step and you could be eyeball deep in shit.”

I think he was as honest as he could be. Also respectful to the judge.

Zoloft is for Depression, PTSD etc. In Judge Simpson's Eye's and Voice says he cares so much. I so wish I had someone in my life at this point that cared as much for me as I see this Judge Cares for the man.

Proud yet very humbled to say that I am 2,749 days alcohol free.

I'm over 8 years sober. I was him 9 years ago, the shakes, drinking continuously, lost family, lost job. We can recover, it is possible. I hope he does whatever he can to not pick up that first drink.

I'm a retired SW. Zoloft is not sus. It is imperative to address mental health issues when addiction is part of recovery. Zoloft is better than self-medicating on other substances.

Mental health professional here! Yes, it’s common to make sure there’s a medication management plan in place, often through prescriptions being given during the stay at the rehab/inpatient MH and making sure the patient has an MD or Psychiatrist upon discharge.

😢 alcohol ruins so many lives.

He may not see it now but one day he’s going to realize that Judge Simpson probably saved his life. This is why I love Judge Simpson. I wish there were more people like him.

I think he said I lost my boys, not voice.

Did I just watched this judge save this guy's life?

It's used for depression. If they addressed their mental health as well, its not that sus

AA literature says: 'we tried easier and softer ways to no avail". He knows his stuff, Judge Simpson.

In my life I have come to believe that 6 months to a year are needed to really get the help necessary to save their lives. Wish him the best. Relapses are sad and rough on the individual and everyone around them.

The most caring Judge I have ever seen and I watch alot of live court shows Thankyou Judge Simpson

I love this judge so much. He never fails to impress me with his compassion and fairness and genuine care for humanity.

Needs medical/mental health inpatient care ASAP. Withdrawals are going to be H E double hockey sticks.🤢 Judge is right,guy looking for simple quick fix for show.😟

Judge Simpson is a true hero, role model, and a class act! What an amazing man to be so compassionate with all that he sees thru the days. Nothing but the utmost respect for him!

when Judge Simpson said he was gonna revoke him, my heart stopped ! … I kept hoping to hear that he’d get meds, because he’s bad enough that he could flat out die from a sudden quit 😮 thank YOU, ✨Wolfy darling

...this brought me to tears - this reminds me so much of my ex partner. I'm hoping, after 30 odd years, he remains sober as the road from drunk to sober is a hard one. Love you always...

As a fellow alcoholic, I hope this guy's ok. We need a followup. I'm desperate to know he's ok. Judge Simpson is a beautiful soul. And he absolutely made the right call here.

As a patient I take Zoloft for anxiety and depression.

He's what's known as a high-functioning alcoholic-- my sis was one. The .08 he had at court, though legally drunk, he was not drunk. Most of us would be stumbling and slurring, but he clearly was not. He drank to stop the DTs, to get "normal" again. Judge Simpson is literally saving his life -- his intervention, though severe (i.e., jail), gave the defendant more time to get back on the rails and get his life straight again. My sister wasn't so lucky -- she died from her abuse. That guy, if he takes action now, will eventually be able to see his kids again, and likewise live a long sober life.

Thanks for this OSG, you can’t help but feel bad for him. I did see the first part somewhere else, but rewatched it here. You do good work, keep it up. Hopefully the defendant gets the help he needs before hurting others or himself.

Thank you for putting the hotline at the end.

I do not remember seeing a judge being so patient and pious like that. I have been watching judge Simpson for a few days, I don't know why these videos popped up but I'm glad! One more sub!

In all honesty….I truly hope people understand what he is going through--it’s so hard. Judge Simpson is incredibly compassionate.

Never heard anyone detail their drinking like this. Kinda heartbreaking.

Cannot start and stop medications like that (I take Paxil, which is similar to Zoloft and Prozac)). A doctor would most certainly approve, if contacted. SSRIs are not nearly as bad as the older neurological medications.

This young man is in a tight spot. I’ve been where he is right now I sincerely hope and pray he can gain freedom from this terrible addiction. And God bless Judge Simpson for his compassion.

My father was a severe alcoholic until the day he died, and that's why I feel pity for this poor soul. I'm thankful that he just so happened to end up in front of this particular judge. Although Judge Simpson is firm, he also has a sense of humor and a compassion for his fellow man that is heartwarming. This defendant has been weighed down with what seems like unfair parental financial responsibilities, despite having lost his career...is looking to lose his apartment, and probably sees no light at the end of the tunnel. My prayers go out to him in finding a transformation into sobriety and a healthier and happy life.

Very impressive, thoughtful judgement.

I don’t envy the judge here. This truly is the hardest part of his job. I get the guy I’m in recovery myself, but the guys life is in the judges hand too.

He knows he needs help, he's just stuck. He needs intensive inpatient and long-term sober living if he's going to have a chance

he could die in jail waiting!! 😢 cold turkey detoxing alcohol is very dangerous.. please keep us updated on his case.

The cat that describes Antabuse does not do it justice. In a past life I tried drinking on Antabuse more than once and it is a special kind of hell. Your whole body becomes red as a beet as your blood revolts. Wild hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, shaking, one’s throat closes up, sinuses purge, wild headache, it’s horrible.

Wow. I have so much respect for how Judge Simpson handled this. Incredibly discerning and concerned about the outcome of this person and his addiction.

IOP's can have wait lists. Some offer revolving admission, meaning patients can start at any time, but most are limited to 15 patients due to health plan/insurance requirements that prohibit more than 15 patients at any time. Most IOP's are 4-6 weeks long and demand is greater than capacity often. You can imagine wait lists do occur.

Zoloft is a non-narcotic. It can be given during an inpatient stay if depression is present. Weird that it would be prescribed after leaving as they begin treatment during inpatient.

I'm a year and a half sober. It's really hard to manage at times. The temptation and peer pressure is constant, and so many people take offense to declining a drink. Hoping it will continue to get easier in time. If I ever fall off that wagon again I'm not getting back on.

I thought that was really touching when the judge said he didn't want to lose him. I truly think he meant it.

This touched me more than any video I've seen in some time.

The humanity of this Judge is beautiful. ❤

Gawd. I was right there where he is at back in 2006, i was in rehab for 6 months, did 6 months as an assistant director then I was fortunate beyond measure to have a wife and toddler daughter waiting on me. Now we are grand parents (because our eldest son for those who are squinting. My simple point is that, yes this is a disgusting addiction, but if you really really work your program, life WILL unfold in ways you cannot imagine. I hope this man has the same outcome. Because I didn't deserve my outcome, but I am glad everyone else believed I did.

At least he was mostly honest. And admits he has a problem. And if your hands shake because of no alcohol, that means he has been drinking for a decade at least.

Zoloft is an antidepressant. An SSRI to be specific. It is not a benzodiazepine however. Zoloft is not what is making him test positive for “benzo’s”.

The follow-up hearing to this is so heartwarming. Judge Simpson says that the man looked so much healthier he didn't recognise him at first. The man thanked him for keeping him locked up till he was released to rehab & said that he saved his life. Judge Simpson was clearly moved and seemed almost choked up, he also seemed proud of the progress that he (the defendant - I can't remember his name) made.

I’m pretty sure if this man tried to quit cold turkey, he’d not make it out with a pulse. When you get to a point where you are so physically dependent on alcohol that you go to bed and wake up with withdrawals, the body will go into shock. This man needs a detox and rehab clinic so fast, otherwise I don’t think he’ll last the rest of the year.

His rehab, wasn't a rehab. They don't want you well. They want return clients.

If it is a dual diagnosis treatment center they will send you home with meds.

I love Judge Simpson, he cares about people. Alchoholism is a sickness that I lost my older brother to and he can tell this man needs help.

I watched this for 9 and a half minutes before I realized that the dog was moving and seemed to be watching too.

A judge for felony drug treatment court did the same for me. Had to complete 3 years of very intense iop, and report to the court almost daily in the beginning. 4 phases, i was getting tested sometimes 2 times in one day. I think i paid 20 bucks a week too, nothing compared to what i spent on gear. Its very very difficult in the beginni g but he and everyone else literally helped me save my life. Funny. One time on my bday i got lax towards the end and took some pills. 90 days in felony lockup, they let me know they didn't play, first time too after 2 years in the program. I made it though, anybody can but it is hard work but def gets easier. You are on total reset. Hugs not drugs. Thankyou Frank Gollatta. Rest in paradise sir❤❤❤❤❤

Been watching this judge many times he has a job to do and did this case perfectly 👌

Responsible drinking is one of the biggest lies ever told.

Xanax is a benzo. Zoloft is an antidepressant.

This judge is an angel in black robes. God bless him. Patience and wisdom.

The judge seemed like he was under the influence more than the defendant. 😂

This is heartbreaking

The hardest thing for any addict is to be honest about their addiction. This man has a terrific attorney, and Judge to ensure he gets the help he truly needs and deserves. I truly hope, that everyone who is going through any addiction, mental health problems or issues that prevent them from functioning, they get the help that they deserve, need and can come out the other side better, stronger than they ever have. Unfortunately I watched my youngest son, 28yr old US Army veteran, decline in his mental health, his ability to keep himself stable in housing, employment, taking care of himself- and not truly get the help he desperately needed, deserved by the VA or any other hospital he went to. He died last year, from alcohol and cocaine intoxication, by himself in a hotel room. Blessings that he was with me for a month before he passed, unfortunately he died 2 weeks later on May 11.. his family misses him tremendously..

I feel so sorry for him that he need to drink to stop his hand from shaking . Alcohol is the worse enemy you can have

Instead of a bullet he’s chosen a bottle. Not sure which is worse to be honest.

I love this judge, I just wish we as a society gave this judge more resources to handle people like this. This guy needs to be in a well run rehab facility that can help get him on the right path. He doesn't need jail, and the judge knows that.

Alcoholism, if you never experienced it be thankful. Drinking in the am to feel normal and drink to keep normal throughout the day is hell. I have been there and we had to drink or we could literally die. You will first have the shakes until you have a seizure, and if it aint stopped within four minutes, you will suffer brain damage.

The running commentary that accompanies these videos really takes away from the content. Going to court SUCKS, especially on full display. Ridiculing people at their most vulnerable is pretty lousy.

I am so grateful I was able to free myself from the burden of alcohol. Unrelenting misery broken by brief moments of numbness.

Sobriety is a marathon not a sprint, some sections of the course are harder than others and you will stumble and suffer along the way, but you have to keep working at it and building your support team to keep you on course and keep you honest to yourself. Withdrawal is brutal, you feel like you're dying physically and mentally you feel the weight of all problems and your past is crushing you, but you can get help to get you through it and it will not last forever, you will get to the other side of it. It gets better and so do you, if you pursue it.

Aww bought a tear to my eyes 😢

This is a good video in the aspect of there are people that need to see it

August 5th makes 2 years I’ve been free of alcohol

whenever he got out of rehab in FL - he’s been back drinking awhile to be shaking that much every 3-ish hrs. he didn’t just start back. he looks like he’s not feeling well even now

My heart breaks for the Judge he is so kind and caring. He is deeply worried about this man and wants to help him.

This is sad, alcoholism is a terrible disease. I hope he gets the help he needs.

The difference between how he is treated and an illegal drug addict is treated is stark.

This man needs a lot of intensive and long term help. I really feel bad for him. He lost everything and was sober for 16 years prior to this.

I hope everyone had an awesome day … HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA 🇺🇸

Wow. And just when I thought I couldn't respect this man any more, he does it again! Simpson absolutely did the right thing, and he was right, word for word. I am three years sober, and I am very fortunate that my drinking never got me in trouble with the law. However, it did get me in trouble with my health. I had no choice but to quit, because I don't want to die. And it was hard. There was no easy path, it was cold turkey. This guy was chugging seltzers, I was chugging whiskey and vodka, so I can safely say that he got off easier than I did, and I am glad for that, because I wouldn't wish the horror I went through on my worst enemy. Here's the thing. If I was in that man's shoes back when I was drinking, I would have come up with the exact excuses, and say anything just so I can go home for a drink. Even if it meant setting off the SCRAM. That man was absolutely going to go home and drink, and hurt himself. Judge Simpson may have saved this man's life.

Yes, they do. they gave it to him and treatment and then they send their clients home with a pack like he saying. You can have minor withdrawals from Zoloft and are not supposed to stop taking it without your doctors knowledge. Sounds like he just stopped taking it. He’s probably just been drinking.

Finally a judge who gets it. Bravo 👏🏼

Jesus. Dude binge drank before court?

The pain of addiction is real and it has no face…

Thank God I'm sober.

Love Judge Simpson.Such a Great man,I Have so much respect for him.God Bless Judge Simpson

Love judges who love. We need more like him. Just awesome!

On the tree of life, there are many branches. One specific branch bears Tifferet,between justice and mercy. Veni, vidi, cognovi!

This defendant could not have a better judge fighting for him. I wish my son could have him!

This defendant's got more numbers than a casino.

Dont think the calorie count matters its the alcohol content right?

I thought he said he lost his boys in a dispute.

With mental health meds like zoloft, the doctors always advised against alcohol usage due to it making the meds worse. (like any medication being made worst with alcohol)

His drinking is what has put him in this position, his continue drinking is going to kill him or someone else. He can't be helped till he stops drinking, not sure if he can at this point. He seems like he is a proud man, that proudness is going to hinder his possible recovery.

I hope he gets better. I know I can too and hearing him talk about the good stuff then losing his boys and divorce and his job, he’s hit a wall in life that most people won’t go through. But he’s articulate and even studied the least amount of calories for his physique. Imagine if he could put that mind power to something positive.

My ex boyfriend showed up to child court twice drunk and got a DUI both times and called the judge an a--hole.

A treatment center should also be addressing any underlying MH needs. So Zoloft rx seems reasonable

I love Judge Simpson. He really does care about that guy.

I know EXACTLY how this guy feels. Been there done that!!! By the grace of God I don’t HAVE to live like that anymore. I pray he gets sober soon!

This guy is honest about his addiction and yes if your hands are shaking its extremely dangerous to go without a drink or medication. Even to see a judge.

Dude has a nerve to believe he doesn’t belong in jail smdh

Judge Simpson is a Saint. He speaks with compassion and empathy. This defendant, however intoxicated he is, however messed up with the demons he is carrying on his shoulder, is trying to be honest. Respect to both. Praying he gets help he really needs.