Following a two year investigation 55 people were rounded up by authorities Wednesday for selling or using heroin.

It's likely that 37 of them won't face jail time, though. They will go through drug court, as prosecutors believe that's the best course of action for those addicted to the drug.

Mahoning County Drug Court started in 1997 as way to keep people out of jail and get the help they need to kick their addiction.

Back then the drug of choice was cocaine. Today it's heroin and prosecutors said it takes up most of their docket. That's because the users steal in order to pay for their habit.

Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul Gains said, "As long as you have people addicted to heroin then you have a demand for it. and as long as you have a demand someone is going to come in and supply it. 80% of our defendants, drugs are involved in some way shape or form."

Those who run drug court said it saves lives and saves taxpayers money by keeping people out of prison. It's for non-dealers and non-violent offenders only.

More than 1,200 people have gone through it and about 50% of them do not re-offend. Judge John Durkin oversees the Mahoning County Drug Court. "Not only are we requiring that they get treatment we are also requiring them to get a driver's license. We require them to get a G.E.D. or diploma if they need one," said Durkin. "We require they get employed. so not only is it taking the cost away from the criminal justice system but they become productive members of society."

Drug court requires intensive, supervised treatment. It takes about a year to a year and a half to complete. You have to meet with a judge nearly once a week. If they mess up, there are consequences.

"A sanction can be a homework assignment, community service, a work detail or a time out in the county jail for two, three or four days depending on what they've done," said Durkin.

Many drug users don't have many other options. For lives like theirs, addiction often leads to either prison or death. That's it. It's hoped drug court can stop that and in a round about way, stop other crimes from occurring along the way.