Aug 27, 2024
A Targeted Response to Intoxication That Prioritizes Client and Community Safety, Recovery and Dignity
CHICO, Calif., July 30, 2024 (Newswire.com) - Horizon Treatment Services is excited to unveil the Butte County Sobering Center. A new beacon of hope and healing nestled in the heart of Chico, California, this facility will provide critical triage and support services to individuals grappling with drug and alcohol use challenges. The program provides swift access, assessments and linkage to life-saving treatment services through a network of partner agencies in the community.
The Butte County Sobering Center: A Compassionate Haven
The Butte County Sobering Center is a co-ed facility staffed around the clock by drug and alcohol counseling staff coupled with nursing or EMT staff. This new program could not have come at a better time for Butte County, with its 69 drug overdose deaths and 101 overdose-related emergency department visits in 2022, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Butte County Behavioral Health Director Scott Kennelly touches on why this program is so important for the community. “Opening a Sobering Center in Butte County is an important step forward in our efforts to expand outreach, engagement, and, hopefully, treatment for those afflicted by drug and/or alcohol addiction issues. Our community was clear about their desire to see this project come to fruition and I’m very pleased to see the grand opening happening on August 1, 2024. Addiction is a complex and challenging issue to overcome, and we need all of the tools to help people get on the road to recovery. For some, the Sobering Center will be a one- or two-time visit before exploring that path while for others, it may take many more visits to change the trajectory of their addiction. Horizon Treatment Services, in partnership with Butte County Behavioral Health, looks forward to giving those in need an opportunity to begin their recovery journey.”
The Sobering Center will serve anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but also considers law enforcement to be one of its key customers. “Typical drop-off time for a law enforcement officer clocks in at about seven minutes versus what is usually a one-hour booking time at a county jail — sometimes more,” said Jaime Campos, Horizon’s CEO. “It’s a win-win for officers to use the program, giving those in need of help an opportunity to interrupt this vicious cycle of addiction. At the same time, officers will have more time to focus on higher-priority public safety issues in their communities.”
Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge echoes those sentiments. “This service will help keep our patrol staff from being out of service due to the time it normally takes to handle a call involving intoxication of alcohol or controlled substances.” Chief Aldridge also acknowledged the work that Chico PD has done to make the new project successful. “We have worked through several concerns and feel we have found solutions to prevent the center from detracting from our ability to provide a safe place to live, work and recreate within the Chico community. We look forward to the partnership and hope to see those who need addiction treatment get the assistance they need and turn their lives around.”
Indeed, sobering centers such as these have been shown to free up law enforcement and emergency resources, potentially enhancing public safety while providing participants an opportunity to engage in treatment services.
“Seeking help can be daunting, especially when life feels unsteady,” said Campos. “What we’ve learned having operated two other Sobering Centers in the Bay Area is that these programs serve as a critical, low-barrier gateway for one’s recovery process to begin, helping to break the cycle of repeat incarceration or emergency services involvement for many. We’re excited to get something like this going for our Butte County community members and we’ll do all we can to make this a success."
Media Contact
Jen Slusser-MacTernan
Director of Outreach and Talent Development
[email protected]1-510-935-8872
About Horizon Services, Inc.
Horizon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency specializing in substance use disorder treatment and serving Bay Area communities since 1976. Spanning multiple Bay Area counties including San Mateo, Alameda and Santa Clara, in addition to rural counties such as Butte, Horizon reaches some 11,000 community members struggling with substance use challenges across Sobering Center, Residential, Detox and Outpatient Counseling programs. Horizon’s in-school prevention programs impact over 22,000 youth annually at over 21 Bay Area schools to raise awareness around high-risk drug and alcohol use.
