what is drug court

Drug court is a specialized court program that takes a public health approach to criminal offending by integrating alcohol and other drug treatment services with the justice system case processing. It aims to incentivize or mandate offenders into addiction treatment combined with frequent drug testing and regular monitoring by the judge. Drug courts are unique because they build a close collaborative relationship between criminal justice and drug treatment professionals. They are designed to address non-violent crime related to drug and alcohol dependency and offer an alternative to prison for individuals charged with a crime and struggling with substance abuse. The program focuses on treatment and aims to help individuals break the cycle of involvement in the legal system. The eligibility for drug court is determined through clinical assessment and legal review, and the programs goal is to focus on individuals who can most likely benefit from it. The success of drug courts is evidenced by the positive outcomes of graduates, who are more likely to avoid future criminal behavior, stay sober, complete their education, find employment, and stay connected to their families and communities.