Introduction
National Recovery Month, observed each September since 1989, underscores the importance of supporting individuals on their journeys to overcome substance use and mental health challenges. In Oklahoma, where mental illness and substance use disorders are particularly prevalent, this observance prompts us to examine the critical intersections between recovery and the criminal justice system.
Understanding National Recovery Month
This month not only celebrates recovery milestones but also aims to increase awareness about substance use and mental health disorders, promoting resources and destigmatizing these conditions to foster a supportive community environment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as a "process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential." This definition accentuates the holistic approach that many people in recovery undergo to change their lives. Recovery is possible with the right individualized treatment, resources, and a support safety net. SAMHSA states that 7 out of 10 adults who have had a mental health or substance use condition are in recovery.
The Impact of Criminal Justice on Recovery in Oklahoma
For Oklahomans, the issues of mental health and substance use hit close to home. Oklahoma ranks 5th nationally in rates of any mental illness, with a substance abuse disorder rate of 16.1%. This indicates that between 700,000 and 950,000 adult Oklahomans need services, yet most are not receiving the care necessary to recover fully. Unfortunately, for many, the criminal legal system is often the first line of defense and frequently becomes a default intervention for many individuals with these disorders. Data shows that a substantial portion of the U.S. prison population has active substance use disorders or were under the influence at the time of their crime, yet few receive appropriate treatment while incarcerated. For example, less than 10% of offenders access any form of substance abuse treatment in prison, and even fewer engage with community-based services post-release. In early 2024, Brandi Garner, the CEO and chief public defender of the Oklahoma County Detention Center, stated that the average time in custody before incarcerated people are taken in for treatment is 480 days.
In Oklahoma, the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system presents a stark reality: jails filled with individuals suffering from substance use or mental illnesses, many detained pre-trial due to inability to post bond. The situation is dire, with the average jail stay significantly exceeding the national average—three weeks versus twelve days. This is not just a failure of justice but also care, as jails are not equipped to address the health needs of these individuals. The tragic case of Shannon Hanchett, a local businesswoman, highlights the urgent need for change. Incarcerated during a mental health crisis in Cleveland County, she died in jail under circumstances that reflect the broader systemic failures to provide necessary care.
The state's high incarceration rate exacerbates these issues, funneling individuals into a system ill-prepared to address their needs and stripping away opportunities for recovery. Mental illness and substance use are health issues requiring treatment, not incarceration.
Supporting Recovery Through Criminal Justice Reform
Reform initiatives must focus on integrating effective substance abuse programs and mental health services within the criminal justice system. Diversion programs like drug courts and mental health courts can significantly improve outcomes by providing alternatives to incarceration that focus on treatment and recovery rather than punishment.
Funding from State Question 781 in Oklahoma marks a pivotal shift towards supporting mental health and substance use treatment, which is crucial in a state grappling with high rates of incarceration linked to these issues. The allocation of these funds, derived from savings realized by reducing the incarceration of low-level offenders, is being channeled into expanding vital diversion programs. These programs are designed to offer treatment instead of incarceration, reflecting a more humane and effective approach to handling non-violent offenders with substance use disorders.
For instance, Oklahoma County's receipt of a $2.4 million annual grant for three years from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services underlines the potential of these funds. The grant is set to bolster the county's nine diversion programs, significantly aiding in the treatment of low-level, non-violent offenders by providing them with necessary support and resources, thereby preventing unnecessary jail time. This aids the individuals in need of help and keeps families together while also alleviating the burden on the state’s criminal legal system.
Such funding is instrumental in bridging the gap between the criminal legal system and public health services in Oklahoma. By focusing on treatment and recovery rather than punishment, State Question 781 funds help reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and enhance community health outcomes. This approach represents a sustainable and ethical shift in dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues within the criminal justice framework, ensuring that those affected have a better chance at rehabilitation and a return to productive community life.
Conclusion
The introduction of funding from State Question 781 is a significant step forward for Oklahoma, enabling the expansion of much-needed mental health and substance use treatment programs that integrate with the criminal justice system. However, for these efforts to sustain and expand, ongoing community support and active advocacy are crucial.
Oklahomans have the opportunity to engage in several actions to support positive policy reform. First, residents need to stay informed about legislative developments and understand how these laws impact community health and safety. Engaging in public discussions, attending town hall meetings, and connecting with local representatives can elevate the importance of continuing and increasing funding for mental health and substance use treatment.
Secondly, community members can support local non-profits and advocacy groups working towards criminal legal reform. Volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about these organizations' efforts can amplify their impact. Additionally, participating in or organizing community events that focus on education and awareness around substance use and mental health issues can help reduce stigma and promote a more compassionate approach to addressing these challenges.
Lastly, advocating for policies that ensure continuity and expansion of funding for treatment services is critical. This includes writing to state legislators to express support for initiatives that divert funds from incarceration to rehabilitation and recovery programs. By fostering a culture that values treatment over punishment, Oklahomans can contribute to creating a more just and healthy society.
By taking these actions, those who care about criminal legal reform can help sustain and advance the reforms initiated by State Question 781. This ensures that Oklahoma moves towards a future where the criminal legal system supports recovery, stigma is removed from people affected by substance use disorders, and all Oklahomans who can - are able to celebrate National Recovery Month.
