Everyone deserves help with substance abuse problems
The new pilot program, Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) is a good starting point to address the quickly growing substance abuse problem within our community. However, I think the criteria to be accepted into the LEAD program is not broad enough to benefit all members of our community who might be struggling with substance abuse. The program is aimed toward those who have a minimal criminal background, as an early intervention to drug use.
As a future social worker, I believe every human is deserving of help, whether they are in the beginning stages of their uses or long term. As social workers we must respect the dignity of individuals regardless of their background. I believe this program is not easily accessible to all members of our community who might have a substance abuse problem.
Recently I spoke with a retired police officer and asked him what he thought about the new LEAD program. From his perspective, the new LEAD program is not addressing the state of one’s mental health with the connection of drug use. People in need of medical detoxification and psychiatric care will not be accepted into the program. In most cases, people abusing drugs require mental health services. If mental health is not addressed in the program, then they are not targeting what may be a likely cause for substance abuse. Every human is deserving of treatment.
You can only be referred to the LEAD program by referral from a law enforcement officer. People seeking out this program are not eligible. A lot of people with substance abuse issues want help but do not have the access to affordable treatment. I think the program should be more inclusive to members of our community seeking treatment, and not just those who might or have committed a low-level crime.
The collaboration between law enforcement, public health entities, city and county prosecutors, and substance use treatment providers is to be commended. It is a good start to address the ongoing epidemic of substance use in our community. Something that Coeur d’Alene would benefit from is an inpatient treatment center that is easily accessible for all individuals. The LEAD program claims to include trauma-informed care, but if they are not willing to include psychiatric care then it should reevaluate the criteria and the services they are offering. The success of this program depends on the willingness to offer specialized treatment depending on the needs of the individual. Whether that is minimal outpatient care or a more extensive treatment should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
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Lionel Barajas Palomino is a student at Boise State University and a Coeur d'Alene resident.