Each person, each name mentioned, represents one less person caught up in the self-decline of drug addiction. Each one now has a life-changing story to tell.

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- Tuesday, July 23, marks a significant milestone for 19 graduating 15th Judicial District Drug Court participants. Each person, each name mentioned, represents one less person caught up in the self-decline of drug addiction. Each one now has a life-changing story to tell.

One of the smiling faces belongs to Tiffany Hebert from Cankton; she has completed the program. Hebert has her children back and has embraced a new way of life she can now share. Hebert said she has learned "that I'm a great person and you don't need drugs to live everyday life."

Judge Valerie Gotch Garrett runs the drug court program, which gives folks dealing with drug addiction a shot at turning things around. Drug court participants are required to give back to the community.

"What I try to teach them is reach one teach one; where you have taken from a community, you have to learn to give back," Garrett said.

Quincy Solomon of Lafayette is another graduate who realizes life can be better than how he was living.

"I just trusted the process, and it did what it did for me," Solomon said.

Supporting agencies include:

• The court
• The district attorney's office
• The parish government
• The Supreme Court of Louisiana

"It's not easy because I see them on a regular basis: Probation checks, we do random weekly drug screens, and I can screen at any time. If they are sanctioned, I can put them in jail. I'll send them to intensive incarceration if I need them to get away from where they are," Garrett added.

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