Fifteen people got new leases on life Tuesday as they graduated from the Sixth Judicial Intervention Court, formerly known as drug court.

Intervention court participants undergo long-term treatment and counseling, sanctions, incentives and frequent court appearances.

Successful completion of the program, as 15 participants did on Tuesday, results in a combination of dismissal of charges and reduced or set aside sentences.

The intervention court program is great prong in the state’s judicial system.

Drug and alcohol offenders are not best served by being in lock up for their infractions.

Drug and alcohol addiction is a disease and can best be overcome by treatment and counseling rather than punishment of being locked behind bars.

Jail and prison space should be reserved for violent offenders who rightfully should not be allowed to move among civilized society.

We are proud of the 15 graduates of this program and hope they will make the most of their new statuses.

This group is the 17th class to graduate from the program and many of those former graduates have gone on to live cleaner, more productive lives as a result of their participation in the program.

Congratulations, graduates. We wish you all long and successful recoveries.