Former Counselor Helps Defendants Overcome Addiction

Michael O'Rourke's personal struggles inspired his work assisting those with substance abuse issues.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:40pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm tones depicting the blurred interior of a counselor's office, with indistinct shapes and forms representing the tools and environment used to provide compassionate support to those in need.A counselor's office becomes a sanctuary for those seeking help to overcome addiction and mental health challenges.San Diego Today

Michael O'Rourke, a retired court substance-abuse assessment counselor, used his own experiences with addiction to help defendants convicted of substance abuse-related crimes. Despite facing alcoholism, drug abuse, and mental health issues in his own life, O'Rourke went above and beyond his job duties to encourage defendants to seek treatment and get their lives back on track.

Why it matters

O'Rourke's story highlights the importance of having counselors and support systems in place to help those struggling with addiction, especially within the criminal justice system. His personal journey and willingness to share it with defendants helped build trust and inspire change.

The details

During his 15-year career as a court assessment counselor, O'Rourke assessed thousands of convicted defendants and advised judges on appropriate treatment programs. He often went beyond his job duties to connect with defendants, sharing his own experiences with addiction and encouraging them to seek help. O'Rourke credits a former court administrator, Fred Lear, for giving him the opportunity to become a counselor, which he viewed as a 'dream job' that allowed him to use his personal struggles to help others.

  • O'Rourke was born in 1951 and raised in Los Angeles, where he was introduced to alcohol at an early age.
  • By 18, O'Rourke was a binge and blackout drinker and regularly used drugs including cocaine, amphetamines and barbiturates.
  • After moving to San Diego in 1980, O'Rourke continued drinking alcohol and using drugs, primarily marijuana.
  • In 1999, O'Rourke made the jump from counter clerk to substance-abuse assessment counselor, a position he held for 15 years until his retirement.

The players

Michael O'Rourke

A retired court substance-abuse assessment counselor who used his own experiences with addiction to help defendants convicted of substance abuse-related crimes.

Fred Lear

The El Cajon court administrator who believed in O'Rourke and gave him the opportunity to become a substance-abuse assessment counselor.

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What they’re saying

“I viewed it as a dream job. Everything I had been through my whole life. My own struggles. I understood addiction and mental health disorders and could help others.”

— Michael O'Rourke, Retired Court Substance-Abuse Assessment Counselor

“Fred told me what I needed to do to become an assessment counselor and gave me the opportunity to earn it. I was determined about a goal for the first time in my life.”

— Michael O'Rourke, Retired Court Substance-Abuse Assessment Counselor

The takeaway

O'Rourke's story demonstrates the power of personal experience and empathy in helping those struggling with addiction, particularly within the criminal justice system. His willingness to share his own journey and go above and beyond his duties as a counselor helped build trust and inspire change in the lives of many defendants.