OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An alternative prison program for nonviolent female offenders with alcohol and drug addictions has honored 18 graduates, its largest class ever.

Women in Recovery, an alternative to incarceration program in Tulsa County, honored its latest graduating class Wednesday. Gov. Mary Fallin says the graduation ceremony is a celebration of success and that the graduates are leaders who can make a difference in the state.

House Speaker Kris Steele says the graduates' accomplishments mean they no longer have to let others define who they are.

Steele has sponsored legislation that he says will ease the state's explosive prison growth, reduce crime and cut prison costs. It's pending in the Senate.

The latest graduates join 52 other women who have completed the program since the first group graduated in July 2010.