The call for new funding to support a drug treatment program for Indiana inmates is a welcome step in a state heavily impacted by the opioid crisis.
The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department is seeking additional resources to expand and improve a recently initiated drug addiction program in the county.
In Morgan County, Indiana, a similar initiative, the Residential Substance Abuse Program (RSAP), provides up to 100 inmates each year with 90 days of intensive counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), achieving a success rate of 72%. This program has helped over 70 inmates annually make meaningful strides toward recovery.
But why is it essential to allocate even more funds toward addressing substance use disorders among Indiana’s incarcerated population?
Why Support is Needed to Combat Drug Overdose Deaths in Indiana
As the opioid crisis continues to impact states like Indiana, the shift from a punitive approach to a rehabilitative one is both necessary and promising.
In 2018, Indiana saw 1,629 drug overdose deaths, with 370 linked to prescription opioids (a decrease from 425 in 2017), while 713 involved synthetic opioids or heroin—a figure that has held steady.
However, recent data is more concerning. The year 2019 began with only nine recorded overdose deaths in its first half, but in 2020, that number rose to 20 in the same period, according to the Bartholomew County Coroner.
This trend is also seen in other counties. Marion County experienced a spike in overdose deaths in the first half of 2020 compared to 2019, with similar increases in Johnson County. Fentanyl has been a key factor in these fatalities, with some victims found to have pure fentanyl in their bloodstream.
Although some progress has been made, Indiana is calling for greater support, particularly to aid the most vulnerable, including incarcerated individuals in Indianapolis jails.
Jail Seeks Additional Funding for Drug Treatment Program for Indiana Inmates
Theresa Patton, the drug treatment coordinator at Bartholomew County Jail, has requested additional funding in the 2021 budget to expand and enhance the jail’s drug addiction treatment program.
Patton aims to increase female participation by 50%, enrolling 21 women compared to the current 18, and to see a similar 50-100% rise for men, which would involve 30 male participants if approved.
Doubling the budget is essential to meet these goals, mainly to recruit the necessary staff. The additional $144,915 requested would fund a permanent addiction recovery counselor and two part-time recovery specialists.
This proposal has been positively received, without resistance.
Positive Response at County Budget Hearings
No council members raised concerns about the need for expanding inmate drug treatment programs. Patton made her funding request at an opportune time, as Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office reported a record high in drug-related investigations for the first half of 2020, with fatal overdoses more than doubling compared to the same period the previous year.
Patton highlighted that annual drug treatment costs for inmates range between $3,000 and $5,000—a stark contrast to the $18,000 to $25,000 it costs to incarcerate an individual for a year, making this investment both sound and practical.
When combined with comprehensive support services post-release, such treatment programs have effectively helped many former inmates maintain sobriety and avoid returning to jail, Patton noted.
Why Have Drug Overdose Deaths Increased in Bartholomew County This Year?
Patton attributes some of the rise in drug activity during early 2020 to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
She suggested that the anxiety, stress, and depression spurred by the global crisis have led some to turn to drugs or alcohol as a quick fix. This includes individuals relapsing and new users alike, creating broader impacts on society.
Additionally, Patton noted that many facilities offering temporary shelter to those awaiting sober housing closed during the pandemic’s early stages.Additionally, Patton noted that many facilities offering temporary shelter to those awaiting sober housing closed during the pandemic’s early stages.
Now, all that remains is to see if this commendable effort to support more inmates on their path to recovery will receive approval.
What to Do Next
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug issues, Sunrise Recovery in Clarksville Indiana is here to provide support and guidance on the journey to recovery.
When you’re ready to start, reach out to our admissions team. We’ll work with you to determine whether a residential or intensive outpatient program would best meet your needs.
