Graduates are celebrating a new life after graduating from Lubbock County Drug Court

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Several Lubbock families are celebrating after drug court concluded Thursday afternoon.

Six people accused of drug offenses now have a second chance at life instead of going to prison.

One of the graduates, Brandon Henderson, described to KCBD in drug court where his life would lead.

“I probably would have been dead or in prison somewhere,” Henderson said.

Instead, he joins several others in celebrating his sobriety.

“Without this program, you don’t know what to do next after trying to stop using drugs. “It actually reconnects you to normal life and life out here, being a citizen,” Henderson said.

People who are accused of drug possession and are considered non-violent offenders qualify for the program. Completion will take at least 18 months.

They attend self-help group meetings, meet with counselors and probation officers, appear regularly in drug court and pass drug tests.

Graduate Jeffery Dollar says he owes him his life

“The drug court showed me that I used to be recognized by my alcohol and drug status and that it no longer defines me. That what harms me does not disqualify me and blessed that God has used my harm and turned it into my destiny,” Dollar said.

It's a sentiment shared by graduate Ashley Ordaz. She admits she didn't care about getting sober at first, but now she's been sober for more than 1,000 days.

“Thank you so much for saving me. I am the person I am today because of everything. “Thank you for saving me from myself,” Ordaz said.

The graduates marked this new chapter with their family and friends.

Some of these relationships were repaired during their journey.

“I have a healthy relationship, I have improved relationships with my children, I have good friends and I am not worried about the law behind my back,” Henderson said.

Along with a new life, Henderson was also given a new smile.

He says he now has the confidence to help others battling addiction.

“Actually, I never wanted to be the man I was, I love the man I am today and this is probably the closest thing I've ever imagined in my head to being the real me,” Henderson said .

Judge William Eichman, who presides over the court, says these graduates now have the skills to remain drug-free and lead productive lives.

He believes restoring their lives through rehab instead of a prison cell is one of the best things the court system can do.

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