"This has saved lives", drug court's impact on those battling addiction

Graduates of Yakima County's Drug Court program were recognized on Thursday night as local leaders and those behind the program spoke on what drug court is all about and the impact it's had on those struggling with addiction.

"It's not how many times you fall, it's how many times you get up from falling to move forward." says Jeffrey Cozzetto, a graduate of Yakima County's drug court.

Jeffrey Cozzetto says he was facing 144 months in prison when he decided to join the Yakima County Drug Court program.

He says he was penniless, homeless and jobless.

But a relative of his that was in the drug court program told Cozzetto to give it a shot.

Cozzetto says, "You know believing in yourself is a big deal, you know, when you come in here you have no hope or nothing to look forward to and just believing in yourself, believe that you can actually overcome obstacles is a big ordeal."

Three years later, he owns a mechanic shop and sells cars at Steve Hans, plus he volunteers his time coaching middle school wrestling.

Cozzetto says the program isn't a 'get out of jail free card'.

Adding it takes a lot of hard work to graduate from the program, but participants are given numerous resources from getting a high school diploma to getting your drivers license.

"I didn't know there was any other way and this program has literally saved the lives of many people I mean... you told me three years ago that I'd be in a room full of judges and county commissioners and lawyers... I would say you're crazy. says Cozzetto.

For someone to be eligible for this program, which is a minimum of 18 months, they can't have any violent charges on their record or be facing any violent charges.

One prosecutor tells me examples of charges that are eligible include forgery, possession of stolen property, identity theft or violation or protection orders.

"I have 15 months and 13 days clean today." says Samuel Rojas, another graduate of Yakima County's drug court.

During an event that recognized the drug court program, Samuel Rojas- also known by his peers as 'Rocky'- had this graduation ceremony, where a judge ripped up Roja's charges and he was presented a certificate of completion.

"For the newcomer: trust in the program, surrender to your higher power. It might seem like it's impossible... but if I can do it, you can do it. It's all worth it at the end" Rojas says in a letter he wrote for his graduation ceremony.

Yakima County's drug court program first began January 1st, 2012 and 'MERIT' is the drug court's treatment provider.