Valley desperately needs a detox facility

“You are going to feel like you’re going to die, but you won’t!” Those are the facts the medical staff tell incoming pretrial inmates, if they are going to have to detox from heroin in jail. And, the only way an inmate will receive any medication to relieve any symptoms of nausea, mood swings, fever or chills is if their vital signs are abnormal. If they are within the normal range, they’ll have to just live with those symptoms of withdrawal. In short, keep hydrated and suck it up because, you are in jail.

That description of detoxing in jail from heroin is a simplified version I understood after calling the medical department at Mat-Su Pretrial. The reason for the inquiry was due to two clients, actually a couple, that were looking for detox at MYHOUSE. They said they were ‘sick and tired of being sick and tired.’ They were strung out, at the end of their rope and looking for a life line. But, unfortunately, we had to tell them, there is no primary detox facility in the Valley.

Then, the young man said, “I’ve detoxed in jail.” We didn’t realize at that moment how telling and revealing that statement was going to be. Yet, in a very short period of time, that statement came to light. We said we could provide them with bottled water, food packets, and other personal hygiene items. ( they were homeless, living in a tent and just had everything stolen) We could offer them more bottled water the following days but, if they were going to be disruptive or a distraction to the MYHOUSE operations, ( detoxing on their own) they couldn’t come into the drop-in center.

MYHOUSE is not a detox facility. There isn’t any way we could have someone detoxing in our drop-in center with customers in the cafe’ and boutique. Here are just some symptoms of detoxing: Your body feels like it is burning up one minute and the next, you are freezing. It can be accompanied with anxiety and agitation, muscle spasms and you may feel like you are possessed by aliens. And, not to mention severe vomiting and diarrhea. (a very bad scene! )

Before the couple left MYHOUSE, they stole a patron’s purse. We immediately called the police. Our first thoughts were they decided “what’s the use, let’s steal some money and get high!” But, then, something didn’t add up. This couple was found an hour later and arrested. Now, homeless youth can disappear, fly under the radar within five to ten minutes and not be heard from for months. So, did they get caught on purpose to have a place to detox? ( everyone they know uses and they had no where to go) “I’ve detoxed in jail... before, and I can do it again.” Now, that complete sentence stated earlier puts everything in perspective.

Why not detox in jail? (the reason for my phone call) Where else could they go?

The only way we are going to know the truth of their actions is to ask them. But, if the purse had cash, a checkbook and credit cards, they could be charged with multiple felonies and be in jail a long time. Which might not be a bad thing...food, a bed, and even A.A./ N.A. meetings (after detoxing) in jail to pick up some tools to stay clean and sober once they get out. The latter, would obviously be a choice. But, there has to be a better way.

A better way that doesn’t involve committing a crime, detoxing in jail, doing time, and that going on your record. That record can very well close doors for employment and housing once released. Then, there are the tax dollars incurred to house them in jail. Heroin arrests have sky rocketed in the last six years. We have to address this heroin epidemic which is causing deaths and overdoses, (tripling since 2008) along with destroying and tearing families apart. Not to mention all the hospital visits and medical costs due to heroin poisoning, and public health issues regarding needles, HIV and Hepatitis C.

Besides detox, we have to have a full ‘continuum of care.’ First, the promotion ( awareness) of the problem, along with evidence-based prevention programs in our schools (this young couple didn’t start using yesterday!). Along with detox, we need intervention, treatment and after-care programs. Transitional housing with supervision for accountability has to part of the continuum. There are a lot of moving parts that are needed to save lives and every one of those lives are worth it.

There is hope if we all work together and want to find solutions above all else. Consider joining the good fight. We can do this as a community.

Michael P. Carson is vice president of MYHOUSE homeless shelter and a Recovery Specialist.