On the Cover
CLARK GUEST: RETIRES FROM SLO COUNTY
Living Proof Addiction Can Be Overcome by Camille DeVaul
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or years, Clark Guest struggled with substance abuse. His battle started while in junior college, playing basketball in Fullerton in the early 80s, and didn’t stop until he was thrown into jail for the last time in 1999. Clark attributes becoming sober to something much bigger than himself, “When I was in jail at that moment, I was able to get on my knees and accept Jesus Christ in my life. On December 1, I have been saved for 22 years, and for 22 years, I have been clean and sober.” Soon, Clark found his way and was able to put his life back together. For over 18 years, he dedicated his life to helping people manage their substance abuse. Specifically, he worked as the coordinator of the San Luis Obispo County Drug and Alcohol Services Adult Drug Court Program—a treatment program for nonviolent defendants that allows a second chance rather than incarceration. In November 2021, Clark retired from San Luis Obispo County (SLO) after 15 years and moved to Idaho. The move was something Clark Guest with his wife Debbie in Haydon Springs, Idaho. Photos by Megan Aufrichtig Hayden Lake Photography he and his wife Debbie had been planning for years. Originally, he planned to move after 20 years with He continues, “I’m really enjoying it now. The people are wonderful, San Luis Obispo County and retire in Idaho, but earlier this year, they the clinics are wonderful. I’ve hit the ball rolling.” decided why wait. In his new position, Clark works on mental health, and substance Although Clark has retired from his position in SLO County, he isn’t abuse treatment programs in adults and adolescents, including a done helping people recover. He is currently working as a clinical Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program for the Post Falls supervisor for the Lake City Counseling Center based in Hayden, clinic. Working closely with youth is new for Clark, but he says he’s Idaho, and overseas programs in Hayden and Post Falls. learning quickly. It hasn’t taken Clark much time to adjust to his new life, “I’ve got my sights on being able to develop a juvenile drug court program up here. I’ve already identified some gaps, and my new boss Jennifer is amazing, and her husband, Ben. I’m sort of off and running. Doing many of the same things I was doing down there.”
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While in SLO County, Clark was known for his ability to understand the real struggles of substance abuse and develop effective programs, “When I became supervisor, I was able to develop programs because I definitely had a knowledge of what works for the people that are suffering.”
