Substance Abuse Programs

Alcoholics Anonymous

A worldwide fellowship of men and women who help each other to stay sober. They offer the same help to anyone who has a drinking problem and wants to do something about it. Volunteers come into the jail three times per week to offer AA services to all inmates. Separate groups are held for men, women, and residents of the Work Release area. Each group meets once per week. Approximately 350-375 inmates participate in the weekly meetings for varying amounts of time on an annual basis.

Alcohol & Drug Therapy (Serenity)

A weekly meeting limited to ten (10) inmates who are motivated to discuss the effects of alcohol and drugs on their lives. Intensive group interaction which stimulates the inmate to get into touch with his/her feelings to determine why there is dependency on alcohol or drugs. A volunteer provides the weekly time and approximately 100 inmates attend per year for varying amounts of time. An inmate must expect to be in custody for at least six (6) weeks in order to qualify for the program.

Jail Substance Abuse Intervention Program (Phoenix Project)

I. Goals

1. Improve quality of life, personal productivity, reduce substance abuse and victimization by enrollment in treatment programs and to provide case management services for inmate's families and significant others.
2. Reduce jail overcrowding and jail readmission of substance abusers by utilization of community treatment services and development of case management services for families of offenders and aftercare following release from jail

II. Objectives

1. Screen intakes within eight (8) hours to identify potential candidates
2. Evaluate candidates using the following criteria:
   1. anticipated incarceration for more than thirty (30) days
   2. substance abuse problems associated with criminal behavior
   3. potential victim creator
   4. amenable to treatment
3. Evaluate substance abuse and social history
4. If appropriate, refer to the counselor for a mental health status assessment
5. Establish contact with the family to assess their needs and to refer them to community agencies that can provide them with support and education
6. Enroll inmate into groups
7. Arrange follow-up appointments, treatment and monitoring for inmates following release and during reintegration into the community and refer to other treatment agencies

III. Components of treatment

1. Group therapy
2. Anger and stress management
3. Transitional phasing
4. Domestic violence and assault awareness
5. Cognitive restructuring
6. Participation - 425 inmates per year

Narcotics Anonymous

A non-profit fellowship of men and women who are recovering addicts. The program is designed to encourage complete abstinence from all drugs. The group meets once a week to inspire honest sharing and to listen to stories from facilitators about recovery. The program is a twelve (12) step process to promote recovery. Meetings are designed to further free expression and have an atmosphere of empathy. Approximately sixty (60) inmates per year participate.