Mahoning County Drug Court graduation

YOUNGSTOWN — Judge John M. Durkin's courtrooom was packed this morning for an event that one doesn't often see in court: a celebration. 

Six people graduated from the county drug court. After more than a year spent getting drug-addiction treatment and completing required steps such as obtaining a job, a GED or diploma and a driver's license, the felony charges that originally brought the six to Mahoning County Common Pleas Court were dismissed. 

There are "a lot of great things happening with recovery in our community," Judge Durkin said. 

"Let's tell the whole story," he said. "We can overcome [addiction] through treatment and recovery. So let's celebrate you. Because that's the whole story."

The graduates also shared some of their stories and thanked the drug court team for helping them in their battles against addiction. 

Judge Durkin started the drug court program 18 years ago, and since then about 1,200 people have gone through it. The program has about a 50 percent graduation rate. 

At today's event, the judge emphasized the importance of addiction education. 

"Let's do a better job educating, overcoming the stigma, because there's hope in recovery," he said.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com