Horizon Treatment Services
Welcome to the Horizon Treatment Services Podcast, where we delve into the forefront of alcohol, drug, and mental health services. As industry pioneers located in the Beloved Bay Area, CA - HSI is committed to empowering adults and adolescents through evidence-based programs, fostering a secure space for tackling substance use disorder and mental health challenges.
Join us as we explore cutting-edge strategies, discuss success stories, and share insights that propel individuals towards their full potential. From prevention initiatives guiding youth towards substance-free lives to community outreach initiatives promoting safer neighborhoods, HSI's interest and expertise extends beyond treatment, shaping a future where well-being takes center stage.
Tune in to stay informed, inspired, and at the forefront of transformative change with Horizon Services, Inc. www.horizonservices.org
Horizon Treatment Services
Ep 01 - Sobering Centers: A Humane Alternative to Jail
Sobering centers provide a humane alternative to jail or emergency rooms for acutely intoxicated individuals, offering 4-12 hours of supervised care while saving public resources and respecting human dignity. Dr. Shannon Smith-Bernardin explains how these programs serve as a crucial intersection between law enforcement, healthcare, and substance use recovery.
• Sobering care focuses on short-term monitoring for people acutely intoxicated on alcohol or other substances
• Unlike detox programs, sobering centers aim to get individuals safely through intoxication, not remove all substances from the body
• Most clients are experiencing homelessness or cannot safely return home while intoxicated
• Law enforcement can complete drop-offs at sobering centers in under 10 minutes versus 45+ minutes for jail bookings
• Staff typically includes medical professionals (EMTs/nurses) and peer recovery specialists with lived experience
• Centers provide continuous monitoring for safety, particularly important with the rise of fentanyl in the drug supply
• One in three law enforcement encounters nationwide involve someone acutely intoxicated
• Funding comes from various sources including city/county funds, state programs, Medicaid reform, and criminal justice initiatives
• Success means treating people with dignity while reducing stigma and shame around substance use
For more information, visit the National Sobering Collaborative at nationalsobering.org or learn about our services at www.horizonservices.org.