The National Association of Drug Court Professionals has set forth these eight key elements to provide a guideline and structure format for Drug Courts in the Nation.

• Key Element 1 ~ Drug Courts integrate alcohol and other drug treatment services with justice case processing
   
• Key Element 2 ~ Using a non-adversarial approach, prosecution and defense counsel promote public safety while protecting participants' due process rights.
   
• Key Element 3 ~ Eligible participants are identified early and promptly placed in the Drug Court program.
   
• Key Element 4 ~ Drug Court provides access to a continuum of alcohol, drug, and other related treatment and rehabilitation services.
   
• Key Element 5 ~ Frequent alcohol and other drug testing to monitor abstinence.
   
• Key Element 6 ~ A coordinated strategy governs Drug Court responses to participants' compliance.
   
• Key Element 7 ~ Ongoing judicial interaction with each Drug Court participant is essential.
   
• Key Element 8 ~ Clear monitoring and evaluation measures track the achievement of individual participants' program goals and gauge the effectiveness of the program.