BLOOMINGTON - Three graduates of McLean County Drug Court expressed gratitude Thursday for the program that has helped them leave behind lives of addiction and criminal activity.

The graduates, who were identified only by their first names, have completed an intensive program that lasts up to 30 months, requiring them to follow strict reporting and drug screening guidelines, attend weekly reviews and finish substance abuse treatment.

The graduates were the second class to finish the program, following three others who graduated in February.

Mary told the large audience at the Law and Justice Center that she learned quickly that her habit of fooling people would not work with the drug court staff.

"My life was on the rocks and now my life does rock," she told the crowd.

In written comments included on programs for the graduation, Boris said "drug court helped me become a productive and positive individual in society, giving me the opportunity to change my behaviors."

"This program gives life and saves life," wrote graduate Gary.

Guest speaker Chris Hunt encouraged the 37 drug court participants to keep fighting the battle of addiction.

"My story is one of repeatedly falling down. My message is it's possible to get and stay clean and not have your life be a complete drag," said Hunt, who described himself as a person who has overcame a pattern of criminal activity related to alcoholism.

He has participated in 12-step recovery programs, he said.

Elizabeth Robb, 11th Circuit chief judge, told the audience a federal grant from the Department of Justice will provide more than $300,000 in ongoing funding for the drug court program.

Drug court Judge Scott Drazewski meets weekly with participants as a group to review their progress. He introduced each of the graduates at the ceremony, thanking them for making the choice to begin a new, positive phase of their lives.

The county drug court received its first client in August 2006.

To qualify for the program, people must be McLean County residents at least 18 years old without a history of violent crime. They must admit they have a substance abuse problem and be willing to follow a recommended treatment plan.

Drug court has a goal of 50 clients.

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Drug court facts

The McLean County Drug Court's 37 participants have:

- Taken 3,460 drug screens, of which 99 percent have been clean.

- Attended 5,100 self-help meetings, 3,360 treatment sessions and 1,229 court appearances.

- Paid a total of $28,115 in fines, court costs and restitution.

- Recorded a combined total of 347 months of sobriety