NATCHEZ — Talk of growth and rehabilitation can be heard this week at the Natchez Convention Center.

The Mississippi Association of Drug Court Professionals is hosting a conference to discuss legislation, new methods and success stories in the court system.

“To me, this is one of the best things that came out of the court organization,” Mayor Butch Brown said.

Drug Courts seek to rehabilitate drug-using offenders through drug treatment and intense supervision with frequent court appearances and random drug testing.

Drug courts offer the incentive of a chance to remain out of jail and be employed and the sanction of a prison sentence if participants fail to remain drug-free and in compliance with all program requirements.

Brown gave a welcome speech to the judges and others working in the courts on the opening day of the conference Wednesday.

MADCP President Tracy Swafford said nearly 275 people registered for the three-day event.

Attendees will learn about new drug trends, drug culture and hear from the success stories of the program.

“The biggest thing that I enjoyed seeing is family restoration and recovery,” Swafford said.

A Natchez resident who graduated from the program, who chose to remain anonymous, told his story at the convention.

“There were some people who thought I didn’t deserve drug court,” the graduate said. “That I didn’t deserve another chance.”

The graduate told the crowd how he is turning his life around with his second chance, including getting back to work and regaining custody of his daughter.

“I’ve seen miracles happen in the program, and I’m proud of being part of it.”

Other graduates from the family drug court also gave testimonies of overcoming their own demons, and moving on with their lives.

Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. also spoke at the welcoming ceremony, and recognized court members who have rehabilitated hundreds of people this year.

Waller also encouraged courts to rehabilitate more people, and help make success stories around the state.

“It saves lives, saves money and makes justice work,” Waller said.

Today, country music star Jeff Bates will tell how landing in jail on drug charges helped him break out of his methamphetamine addiction.

Bates, a Marion County native, has been a musician for over 10 years. He regularly uses the spotlight to tell his personal story of methamphetamine addiction, arrest and religious conversion in a jail cell.

The conference will include presentations from mental health and drug treatment professionals, judges, court staff and law enforcement. Presentations will cover current drug abuse trends, prescription drugs, street drugs, DUI’s in drug court, drug treatment issues for adults and adolescents, addiction and mental illness and ethics.