COEUR d’ALENE — A new support group aims to strengthen long-term recovery for graduates of Kootenai County’s Drug Court program, as well as current participants.

Drug Court is a voluntary program that provides an alternative to traditional prosecution in the cases of certain substance-dependent defendants. The program lasts about 15 to 18 months, during which participants must attend intensive outpatient treatment, attend regular court hearings and submit to random drug tests. Participants are also on supervised probation during their time in the program. 

Since its inception in 1998, more than 585 people have completed the program. 

“It saved my life,” said Ashley, who graduated from the program in 2018. “Just having the support of the team at Drug Court really helped.” 

Ashley, who asked that her last name not be published, has remained active with the program since her graduation, volunteering as a mentor for current participants. 

“It’s really important to have somebody by your side that you can count on who’s been in recovery, who knows what you’re going through,” she said. 

Now, Ashley and other Drug Court graduates will help support others who are walking the same path through the Kootenai County Drug Court Alumni Support Group. 

Staci M., who graduated from the program in 2007 and also did not want her last name published, said her recovery journey led her to a place where she felt called to share her story with others. 

“It’s been on my heart to tell these people who are in Drug Court that there’s hope and you can stay sober,” she said. 

Staci’s journey to sobriety began June 25, 2006. 

“I remember the day that I got arrested like it was yesterday,” she said. “I looked at the officer and said, ‘Take me to jail, I’m done.’” 

She spent 28 days in the Kootenai County jail. During that time, her public defender referred her to Drug Court. The program helped her transform her life. 

In June, Staci will mark 20 years of sobriety. With that milestone within reach, she wants to support others who are struggling with substance abuse problems and show them what’s possible. 

“It’s quite overwhelming that this is snowballing into so much,” she said. “I’m really glad to be part of the team.” 

Kootenai County Drug Court Alumni Support Group will meet at 5 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Coeur d’Alene, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave. The first meeting is Tuesday.  

The support group is open to anyone who has participated in Drug Court, including current participants.