Hard-core addicts turn lives around stay `clean and sober' by Bill Romano Mercury News Staff Writer   It was like no other commencement exercise -- no caps, no gowns, no valedictorian. But the graduates beamed with pride as they each walked to the podium where a probation officer handed them their diplomas. The 17 men and women -- all hard-core narcotics addicts -- had completed Santa Clara County's yearlong Drug Treatment Court. It took grit and resolve. ``Until now, I could never see myself as clean and sober,'' said Tracie Bradfordadams after the moving ceremony held Thursday evening in a room crowded with well-wishers in the old courthouse across from St. James Park. Hooked as a teenager on cocaine and addicted for more than a decade, the 31-year-old Bradfordadams, who recently gave birth to a healthy daughter, had been in court many times before. But on her last arrest for drug possession, she decided to give treatment a try. Part way through rehab, she slipped andreported the relapse to authorities, who gave her another chance. ``I just had my daughter, and I didn't want to lose her,'' said Bradfordadams, holding her certificate in hand. ``I wouldn't give this up for anything. To me, it's beautiful.'' One of few such programs in the nation, Drug Treatment Court -- presided over jointly by Superior Court Judge Lawrence Terry and Municipal Court Judge Stephen Manley -- was launched 18 months ago to deal with habitual drug users. ``These are people that the criminal justice system would ordinarily write off,'' said Manley, who believes strongly that self-motivation, hard work and outside support can lead to a clean and sober life. ``We don't write anyone off,'' Manley said. The program, which involves a team approach of many different agencies, this month received a $400,000 federal grant that will be used to double its size. It also was honored by the state Judicial Council recently. So far, 44 men and women have completed the rigorous regimen, with 150 more enrolled in the ongoing course. Only 9 percent have failed to make the grade. By the time they graduate, most are already working. That's important, because they have to pay their court fees and fines as well as treatment costs. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual. They must first be in jail to qualify for the program and must agree to plead guilty to their charges to receive treatment. Those charged with selling drugs, committing property crimes or offenses against persons are automatically excluded, and many other people choose instead to stay in jail and serve their sentence. The program begins with detoxification while in custody, and continues with residential treatment in the community. Participants must submit to frequent and unannounced drug tests -- sometimes twice a week -- and appear in court for regular progress reviews. In addition, daily attendance at 12-step meetings is mandatory. Drug treatment court is no snap. It takes personal dedication and encouragement from family and friends, Judge Terry told the graduates. But the rewards are profound. ``Clean and sober doesn't happen overnight. But, if you can stay clean for a year, you can stay clean for a year and a day.'' And then perhaps, a year after that.