Drug court helps addicts in on Ohio county

Many individuals do not seek help for drug addiction until they run into trouble with the law. However, a number of communities have established drug rehab programs to help individuals get clean and curb crime rates.

Shandrieka Shavers is one example of an individual who has benefited from her local drug court program in Trumbull County, Ohio. Recently, she graduated after months of intense rehabilitation along with 14 other participants, according to The Vindicator. Individuals who complete the program may have be able to avoid jail time, giving them a second chance at life.

Local officials work with approximately 75 individuals enrolled in the program weekly. Every six months, a new class graduates from the drug court. However, the demand for the addiction help runs high in Trumbull County. Only 20 percent of individuals who request to enter the program are accepted. Although the graduation rate is approximately 70 percent, those who fail are typically sent to jail.

Drug addiction costs the U.S. more than $484 billion annually, according to the Department of Justice. Drug rehab programs can help individuals detoxify and become productive members of society.