NORWICH – Four former substance abusers and repeat felons have successfully completed Chenango County’s Treatment Court, bringing the total number of graduates to 23 since the program was introduced in February 2004.

The four were honored by County Judge W. Howard Sullivan at the Chenango County Courthouse Monday and witnessed by a courtroom filled with families and friends and representatives from the multiple agencies that make up the rehabilitation program.

“It’s a rough road, but you can do it if you want to,” one graduate said about the program in his short acceptance speech. Another agreed. “If you want it, you can achieve it,” he said after accepting Sullivan’s congratulations. One graduate said, “It’s time for me to step aside and let someone else take advantage of this program. What a gift to learn to live a life of sobriety.”

Treatment Court, which is fully state-funded, is an optional alternative to jail. It is geared for repeat, non-violent felony offenders whose crimes are regarded as addiction-driven. To graduate, participants must maintain sobriety for 12 consecutive months, obtain a high school education or GED, and hold down full-time employment. The program could last in some cases up to 30 months.

Sullivan acknowledged the four for working hard, making good decisions and not letting substance abuse prevail.