Many people who become addicted to drugs and alcohol are also found to have some type of mental illness. In fact, this relationship is so strong, that many experts believe the drugs play a huge role in the development of the mental disorder. For example, in the United States, it is estimated that around 8.9 million people are currently suffering from a substance abuse issue and a mental illness.
The Current State of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse in Colorado
Unfortunately, in the state of Colorado, the facts aren’t too encouraging, either. Consider the following statistics:
- 39% of the inmate population in the state of Colorado required mental health services in 2016
- 74% of the inmate population in the state of Colorado required substance use/addiction services in 2016
- In 2014, the state of Colorado spent over $94.2 million to put nonviolent drug offenders behind bars
- Colorado is consistently ranking at the bottom when it comes to per-capita funding on behavioral health spending
- Colorado is the only state in the U.S. with populations using four substances simultaneously, including cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and alcohol
Not only are these statistics shocking, they are also sobering. In addition to the individuals suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse not getting the help they need, but a large percentage of them are winding up behind bars, further facilitating the demise of their overall mental and physical health.
The New Push to Help Those Struggling with Mental Illness and Addiction in Colorado
Finally, someone has taken notice of the staggering statistics in the state of Colorado mentioned above. In fact, there is encouragement from the state level for police officers to change the way they are treating individuals suffering from addiction and a mental illness. The police are being encouraged to send these individuals to a treatment facility, rather than jail.
In one effort to change the way low-level offenders are handled, mental health professionals are actually riding with the police officers during routine patrols and 911 responses. Another effort is being made where local communities are putting case managers in the high-crime areas to help the police keep prostitutes, drug uses, and similar offenders out of the criminal justice system completely.
The Trend is Catching on Across the State
Thanks to several law enforcement agencies already using the tactics described above, more changes are coming. For example, The Colorado Department of Human Services has pushed to distribute a total of $16 million in the next three years to support more efforts in communities throughout the state. In January of 2018, the state is awarding $5.3 million alone to this effort, and up to 12 police departments will have access to this money to help encourage treatment, rather than incarceration.
What is the Main Goal of this Intervention Program?
The hope of this new intervention and diversion plan is to begin addressing the issues people face before they become caught in the circle of the criminal justice system. Far too many people are arrested once for drug issues, only to be released and returned to jail a short time later.
By trying to avoid arrests, individuals facing substance abuse issues and mental illness can get the treatment they need and return to be a productive member of society and their family. After all, incarceration for a problem that requires help isn’t solving any problems. Not only does it put the individual in an impossible loop to break, but it disrupts employment and tears their family apart.
This movement has received support from both the Democratic and Republican legislators in Colorado and is now being used in other cities, such as Los Angeles and Seattle.
The Current Efforts That are Leading the Charge
Currently, there are several cities in Colorado that have created these diversion programs with behavioral health clinicians embedded in the police departments in Denver, Boulder, and Longmont. For two years now, six clinicians have ridden with police officers to patrol the Park Hill neighborhood, which is an area known for drug use. These clinicians have worked to steer those in need toward treatment and care, rather than jail.
The cost of sending individuals in these situations to treatment, rather than jail is also saving cities money. For example, in Boulder, 44 percent of the 1,100 individuals received follow-up care, costing the program $600,000, but saving approximately $3 million. The cost clearly outweighs the investment in these situations in more than one way.
Odyssey is always a strong advocate for providing addicts the help they need. Recovery isn’t always easy, but it is necessary for the future success and well-being of individuals facing addiction.
