Hollywood loves a good drama; and nothing packs as superior a punch as broken but lovable characters overcoming great obstacles. Movies are rife with those archetypal prodigal sons or daughters who have strayed a little too far down the wrong path. We sit in tense anticipation as we witness the ups and downs, the twists and turns; knowing from the beginning, before the credits roll, there will be a moment of redemption and ultimately salvation. We will stand and applaud as we ferociously gorge ourselves on it all by proxy. Unfortunately for millions of people across the country, there is no script, no cameras and no director. However, they too have strayed a little too far from the wrong path and their existence is strewn with incredible obstacles. Their lives contain elements of the best films; excessive and problematic drug and alcohol use and a lifetime of chronic criminal activity. However, the only spectators witnessing their drama are concerned relatives, judges, probation officers and a jury made up of twelve of their peers. Kim knows only too well how this story unfolds. She has been through the justice system for 17 years of her life. A highly unlikely candidate to become a street walker, Kim remembers a happy childhood filled with the loving support and encouragement of her grandmother. She was a bright child and people noticed that. She remembers her family frequently discussing her potential and showering her with praise. However, living in New York and not being able to find work during the summer break of your sophomore year can lead even the most unlikely candidates to take an unfortunate detour. Kim started to undress. The money was incredible, addictive in fact. Crack was quickly introduced by a boyfriend. It was also addictive. As the ...... middle of paper ......, from http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3321586&page=1History NADCP. (nd). NADCP Home NADCP. Accessed August 13, 2011, from http://www.nadcp.org/learn/what-are-drug-courts/historyOffice of National Drug Control Policy: Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse. (NA, 2008). Retrieved August 6, 2011 from: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/statelocal/or/or.pdfRoan, S. and Times, LA (nd). Longer addiction treatment is the key to ending the relapse-rehabilitation cycle. Information on alternatives to drug addiction - help for drug addiction - Treatment of alcoholism. Retrieved August 17, 2011 from http://www.addictioninfo.org/articles/3074/1/Longer-addiction-treatment-is-a-key-to-ending-relapse-rehab-cycle/Page1.htmlThe Sentencing Project: Research and Advocacy for Reform (NA, 2009). Accessed August 6, 2011 at: http://www.setencingproject.org/doc/dp_drugcourts.pdf