It's a popular alternative to prison, drug court. First time offenders in both Georgia and Florida are enrolling in Felony Drug Court Programs, and it's changing lives.

The felony drug court program is ideal for non-violent drug offenders who want to turn their lives around and break the cycle of drug abuse

Brian Williams' life was going in a downward spiral. He says after his mother's death, he began taking drugs. He's been clean and sober for a year. Now Williams is receiving a certificate of completion from Leon County's felony drug court program.

Brian Williams completed felony drug court program said, "Since I've been in trouble with the law I've gotten promoted at work. My relationship with my father and other family members have gotten a lot better." He added, "Getting arrested was like God's way of telling me you need to get in line."

Since its inception in 1994, thousands have successfully completed the three step program.

Nancy Daniels, Public Defender, said, "Through this program they get off drugs they get back to work they get back in school and marriages come back together or relationships with their parents come back into their lives."

Lives that have been altered from drug use and poor decisions. Participants go through a year of random and scheduled drug tests, counseling and tough love to finally graduate drug free.

Owen McCaul, Assistant State Attorney, said, "These are low level offenders and if we are successful they will not be re-offended and if they are not we can bring it back to stage one and prosecute them as necessary.

James Shelfter, Leon County Judge, said, "We give them a chance to stay in the community and stay in their jobs and keep earning a living with an opportunity to not have this as a blemish on their records forever.”

In addition, participants must pay $50 a month and meet with their probation officer. Once they're done with all the requirements drug offenders will receive a certificate of completion. Next on the agenda: removing the drug charge from their record.