PIONEERING REHAB EFFORT GETS RESULTS

Program organizers highlight the strides made in the treatment of accused criminals with substance abuse and mental health issues.

ALBANY - Reflecting on its first full calendar year of operation, program organizers for a groundbreaking rehabilitation program for criminal offenders say its mental health participants are again on the straight-and-narrow.

The substance abuse clients, however, have proven to be the "tough nut to crack," said Superior Court Judge Stephen Goss.

"It's the nature of the addiction," Goss said, referring to clients not wanting long-term help for their substance abuse problem.

The Mental Health/ Substance Abuse Treatment Court program has taken 34 people facing criminal charges into its probation program, which offers a tailored treatment program to address his or her underlying issues of mental health or substance abuse problems.

None of those with mental health issues have offended again, said Goss, hoping not to jinx the results.

Of those with substance abuse problems - which includes people with mental health and substance abuse problems - five were discharged from the program as "unsuccessful," according to the program's report.

"All either refused long-term drug treatment services that were put in place or had multiple drug relapses that indicated an unwillingness by the person to try and deal with his/her drug issues," according to the report.

Despite some clients having relapses and falling out of the program, coordinator Queen Hall said they have reached their goal.

"What we wanted was to decrease the behavior," Hall said, referring to people with addictions to alcohol or drugs.  "And we have reached that goal."

But addiction to drugs such as cocaine is so strong it is impossible to completely eradicate the problem, Hall said.

In the upcoming year, Goss said the program is seeking to deal with homelessness issues, expand outreach for teenagers and expand long-term drug treatment options - especially for women.

While referrals to the program typically come from the jail, probation officers, attorneys and judges, Hall said individuals who have family or friends who could use this help can contact her through the Dougherty County Jail, and she will help them find the right assistance.

"What we have is people grasping for answers," Goss said.  "We'll put them in contact with the right agency."