In recognition of Substance Abuse and Misuse Prevention Month, we highlight the life-changing impact of Georgia’s Model Drug Courts. These programs transform lives through accountability, treatment, and hope. We invite you to read the success stories and watch the videos below as we celebrate the individuals, families, and communities strengthened through recovery.
Alcovy Judicial Circuit
Chief Judge Ken Wynne shared a story about Grace, who entered the Newton County Adult Felony Drug Court after years of addiction and found a new life.
Appalachian Judicial Circuit
Two graduates of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit Drug Court—now Certified Peer Support Specialists—are helping others find recovery.
“I never would be where I am today without the program. Judge Weaver and her team believed in me, and now I can believe in others and help them on their journey to recovery.” — Meghan Bertolami
Alongside Ian Campbell, both graduates of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit Accountability Court now serve as Certified Peer Support Specialists, using their lived experience to guide others toward lasting recovery.
Their journeys show the power of compassion, accountability, and community in transforming lives.
Atlantic Judicial Circuit
First, a female participant came into the program testing positive and then relapsing frequently (she was a mess). After she got the substances out of her system she began to improve her behavior and was compliant with the program. She went on to mentor many other participants in the program (peers) and model her behavior to success. She graduated very successfully this past year.
What makes her stand out is that after she graduated from the Drug Court program, she became a sponsor for several participants, and she continues to live her recovery every day.
The second female participant was much the same as the first one by coming in messed up and testing positive as well as relapsing in the program. She had an unstable living environment and had her children removed by DFCS. While in the AJC Drug Court Program she was working with the AJC Family Treatment Court simultaneously. She worked on her plan to get her children back. She was compliant and completed all her requirements for working her DFCS case plan. She had developed cataracts and mostly could not see without assistance. Our drug court helped her pay to receive eye surgery and shortly thereafter she was able to see and function more with the world around her. She continues to be in compliance today and she did have her children returned to her by DFCS.
Cherokee Judicial Circuit
Chief Judge D. Scott Smith of Bartow County Drug Court shared the remarkable story of a graduate whose journey from addiction to leadership continues to inspire. From addiction to advocacy, Kevin, a Bartow County Drug Court graduate, turned his life around, made amends, and now leads others in recovery.
Clayton Judicial Circuit
From nights in jail to a supervisor role, a stable home, and family life restored—Ms. K shows what’s possible.
Eastern Judicial Circuit
“The thing that really inspires me are those participants who come to the program feeling hopeless, and over time, you see them change, inspired to live a life of sobriety.” -Judge Bass
Northeastern Judicial Circuit
Judge Jason Deal of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit shares remarkable success stories from participants in Hall and Dawson County treatment courts. Their journeys, from addiction to stability, from incarceration to leadership, show how Georgia’s accountability courts provide real opportunities for change.
Piedmont Judicial Circuit
Judge Crawford shares a story about a graduate now sponsors others in recovery, and another regained her sight & custody of her children.
Southern Judicial Circuit
From addiction to advocacy, a Colquitt County Drug Court graduate is now a Certified Recovery Coach, business owner, and CACJ STAR Peer Award winner.
