Breaking the cycle of addiction can pay community-wide dividends. Not only does it reduce substance use and maladaptive behavior, but it also reduces the risk of relapse, re-offending and overdose death. Breaking the cycle of addiction improves the community’s health, wellbeing, and increases public safety.
Onslow County Detention Center has incorporated a substance use treatment program which provides medication, substance use counseling, case management, and peer support services for inmates struggling with addiction. Every effort is being made to treat substance use in a comprehensive manner.
“My concerns are recidivism, fighting the drug epidemic and safety of community. My primary goal is keeping people from coming back to jail and stop people from dying,” said Onslow County Sheriff Chris Thomas.
As inmates go through booking, they undergo a health screening and if identified as a substance user, they are assessed for withdrawal symptoms and their need to be inducted into the program. If an inmate chooses to enter the program, he or she will receive treatment during incarceration and will be referred to community-based treatment upon release.
The program's clinical services include group and individual counseling.
In 2021, the Onslow County Board of Commissioners approved two federal grants from the Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) to bring the program to the Onslow County Detention Center. The program averaged 1-2 participants in the early stages, until six months ago, when Program Director, Veronica Ortiz, was brought in to oversee operations.
As of November 20, 2024, the program has grown to 52 participants, with more growth expected.
“Some participants are a little skeptical when entering the program, but they eventually come around and are appreciate having assistance and support they are not used to having,” Ortiz said.
Measuring the program’s success rate is difficult because success looks different for everyone, explained Ortiz. Out of 116 participants, since July 1, 2024, seven have been rearrested, with two recently inducted back into the program.
With a low re-offending rate, the program has seen success in other ways.
“Do they have a job? Are they sober? Are they doing things people who don’t suffer from addiction are doing that society considers productive? These are the measures with which we also rate success,” added Ortiz.
One anonymous participant, who says they have been in and out of jail a total of 33 times in the last four years, says they are grateful for the program, which is helping them finally change their life around.
“It’s more than medication. They care. They go the extra mile for all of us and are changing the lives of everyone in the program.” - Anonymous Participant
Quick Statistics (Onslow County Detention Center participants only)
92% of participants who have entered the program have experienced multiple overdoses
Average age of participant- 38
Average age of first use- 21
Primary substance used- fentanyl
47% of the participants grew up in a home with parents/adults who engaged in substance use
61% of participants have a previous mental health diagnosis
68% of participants grew up in poverty
