Since the mid-'80s, courts have been inundated with drug and addiction-related offenders. According to the Drug Court Clearinghouse and Technical Assistance Project (DCCTAP), incarceration alone does little to break the cycle of illegal drug use and crime, and offenders who are incarcerated for substance-related offenses exhibit a high rate of recidivism once they are released. DCCTAP also finds that drug abuse treatment is highly effective in reducing both drug addiction and drug-related crime.

Chestnut Health Systems' Drug Court program is a diversionary program for offenders who have an alcohol and/or other drug problem. This program is a collaborative effort between Chestnut and the criminal justice system.