Some residents in Lowndes County are working to bring a drug court to Lowndes County. Part of that effort includes looking at surrounding counties that are seeing results with their programs.

Sandy thrasher was an alcoholic for 20 years and was recently arrested for drunk driving before her family intervened.

"I'd never been in trouble before. I had a career 17 years with a reputable organization. I was married for 17 years and now I have this on my record,” said Thrasher.

One of the aims of successful drug courts like the one in Columbia County Florida is to avoid these situations.

"This is a chance for you to avoid having a felony on your record. If you have a felony on your record you are going to loose certain rights if you're convicted...The label itself if something that follows you. They recognize the benefit of completing this program successfully,” said Tina Seifert, the Assistant Chief State Attorney for the 3rd Judicial Circuit in Florida.

"Sometimes it takes those who are being made to go for them to be able to actually stay in a program or stay to get educated,” said Amy Taylor a recovering addict.

Columbia County created a drug court three years ago and graduated 35 people from the program. Organizers say they are already seeing benefits in the community.

"Businesses are receptive. If we give a call they might look at someone to hire them. They're receptive to that. It helps them to know that this person's really trying to beat this addiction,” said Siefert.

The key to their program is having a supportive team of professionals to coach the addicts and abusers.

Lowndes County is taking advice from drug courts around the region to help them model a test program.

"We're seeing some really good changes in people. Their probation officers are certainly coming around and getting really on board and excited about results. The judges are excited about this opportunity get them on their way back to a productive way of life,” said Casey Corbin, a drug counselor with Solutions Drug Counseling Services in Valdosta.

"I have a lot of things left in my future and I'm just very excited about it,” said Taylor.

Supporters hope these success stories will help bring drug court to Lowndes County.