304603
Sobering Center: An Alternative Solution to the Problem of Public Intoxication
Public intoxication (PI) is a serious public health issue with implications for health, quality of life, and can be financially draining for local government. In Houston, approximately $4-6 million is spent annually processing PI cases in jail. The need for an alternative response to PI besides cycling individuals through the incarceration system is evident.
Description
The Houston Recovery Center manages the “Sobering Center,” a diversion program providing short-term monitoring of persons under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The Center also offers referrals to services to help individuals not be caught in the “revolving door” of repeat offenders.
Although long term recovery is the overall goal, providing a safe environment serves an immediate need for individuals under the influence. The Center employs peer recovery coaches who use motivational interviewing to meet the individual where they are and support their path to recovery and wellness. This analysis will 1) describe the socio-demographic profiles of clients; 2) identify risk factors for the likelihood of repeat diversions to the Center.
Lessons Learned
It was important to learn the value of a coordinated response from a diverse stakeholder community to clients who are frequently diverted to the Center. The planning team for Houston includes the mental health authority, health care systems, law enforcement, and legal professionals. Identification of demographic characteristics and risk factors is helpful in implementing targeted intervention.
Recommendations
Cultivate a strong relationship with law enforcement. It was crucial that leaders modify policies and there was buy-in from officers.
Use a data-driven approach for augmenting program efficiency.
Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programsProgram planning
Public health or related public policy
Learning Objectives:
Describe a sobering center and its benefit to a community.
Assess if public intoxication is a problem in a community.
Identify key stakeholders of a planning team developing a coordinated response to frequent clients.
Discuss the role of peer recovery coaches in a sobering center and other services targeting substance use.
Keyword(s): Drug Abuse, Criminal Justice
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been researching sobering center models and policies since 2011. When the Houston Recovery Center opened in 2013, I began working on the development and evaluation of policies and programs. I oversaw the design for data collection and the electronic database. I manage database training, maintenance, and analysis. Using the information we collect, I participate in communication and outreach with other sobering centers and the community, needs assessments, and care coordination for frequent clients.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.