TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —  Noelle Bush, the 24-year-old daughter of Florida's governor, is making progress at a drug treatment center, her father said Monday after speaking to a state drug-policy advisory council.

"I think she's in better shape because of the fact she went through the drug court system and knows that in spite of whatever the ailment is that afflicts her, she's got to confront it now," Gov. Jeb Bush said. "Addictions are a very powerful thing and it takes over people's lives and that's why good treatment programs are important."

First-time offenders often are sent to special drug courts, where they meet frequently with a judge, attend meetings and pass periodic tests before graduating. Noelle Bush was admitted to a drug treatment program earlier this month.

If she successfully graduates, criminal charges are dismissed.

Noelle Bush was arrested at a pharmacy drive-through window at 1:30 a.m. Jan. 29 on charges of trying to buy Xanax with a fraudulent prescription. It was a third degree felony with maximum that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.