It’s easy to throw someone behind bars when they commit a crime, such as doing drugs or abusing alcohol, but perhaps in some cases  — in those involving less severe crimes — there are better options.

The Dallas County District Court’s drug program, led by Judge Robert Armstrong, seems to be proving those opinions.

The program saw ten people graduate Friday. That’s ten more people that were spared time behind bars and were rehabilitated through drug court instead of adding to our overcrowded jails.

The graduates were awarded a certificate of completion Friday and their children were given presents.

As a community, we should be very proud of the individuals that graduate through the program. Armstrong said many graduates of the program succeed after leaving drug court, which makes it a valuable asset.

Think about it this way.

Most people put behind bars are going to re-enter society at some point in their lives, making rehabilitation key. The drug court is managing to help individuals turn their lives around without using taxpayer’s dollars.

That’s something we can all agree is a good thing, but are there other ways to solve both problems? Obviously not all crimes should be solved through counseling, because not all crimes are equal.

But what about other, less severe crimes? As a society, it would be worthwhile if we could find more ways like the drug court that could help people turn their lives around without tossing them into jail and throwing away the key.

Maybe the answer is just to invest more time and money into the drug court, which continues to prove that it’s making a difference.