Nov. 19--I OWA CITY -- Nine years ago, Sarah Stoppelmoor was a wife, mother and business owner. Then her cocaine addiction took over.

She said she lived in a van at one point before being caught committing forgery to fund her habit.

Now clean for 289 days and counting, Stoppelmoor, 44, of Iowa City, said she is once more a productive member of society and has reached "true freedom." Stoppelmoor is one of three people in the first graduating class of the Johnson County Drug Court treatment program. "It started on my bathroom floor praying for a means to an end," she said.

Coordinator Cathy McGinnis said since fall 2007, when the program started in Linn County, keeping the participants out of prison has saved about $2 million. Linn County has graduated five people and has 50 still enrolled, she said.

The Johnson County version, which began in February 2008, now has 15 participants.

Although trusting and surrendering to officials' orders was especially hard for her, Stoppelmoor said, she is fortunate to have been caught so she could get help. She said the experience has made her relationship with her children stronger and more open.

"Addiction affects everyone. I didn't mean to go from being a Cub Scout leader to a cocaine addict," she said. "Secrets will keep you sick. You have to keep your life an open book."

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