Drug courts were developed as an alternative to the widespread incarceration of drug offenders. It became the model, offering to solve many of the problems created by the get tough policies. Within the last decade, almost every State in the United States has implemented a drug court. However, for the drug court model to be successful and live up to its promises, achieving reductions in substance abuse and recidivism, it must adhere to certain research-based principles on effective interventions. This article presents research-based principles that drug courts should implement to increase their effectiveness, along with recommendations for implementation. Treatment effectiveness requires strong leadership and support, treatment strategies based on models demonstrating effectiveness, and a system for both internal and external evaluations of program outcome. Recommendations for implementation include: (1) the development of ties within the community to increase resources and support; (2) conducting a comprehensive literature search to identify relevant research concerning effective treatment approaches for substance abusers; (3) matching clients based on risk, need, and responsivity levels; (4) programs directed toward reducing criminogenic needs and risk factors; (5) systematically training offenders in behavioral rehearsal techniques; (6) provide aftercare sessions to the client; and (7) retain an evaluator to advise the program.