For three decades, there has been a growing movement to transform the way the justice system responds to substance use and mental health disorders. Rather than continuing the revolving door of addiction and related crime, treatment courts break the cycle by holding individuals accountable while connecting them with the treatment and support needed to change their lives. This approach is no longer an experiment; more than 4,000 treatment courts across the nation have proven to be the most successful justice intervention in our nation’s history.

Treatment courts like the Gila County Opioid Drug Court differ from traditional court because treatment providers and other public professionals are invited to be a part of the team. They ensure each person in the program receives an individualized, evidence-based treatment plan, and work together with the judge, defense attorney,  probation and law enforcement to provide ongoing support and accountability. Following this approach allows Gila County’s treatment court to identify and meet individual needs.

The Gila County Opioid Drug Court serves those high-risk/high-need individuals in our community who suffer from opioid addiction and are in need of medication assisted treatment.  The purpose is to help criminal justice-involved individuals with opioid addiction get on the path to recovery and become contributing members of our community.  The Gila County Superior Court and Probation Department work with treatment provider Community Bridges to provide substance abuse treatment and medication assisted treatment services, along with consistent probation interaction, to those clientele in need with the main goal to save lives.

The research agrees: Numerous studies have found that treatment courts reduce crime and drug use and save money. These programs also improve education, employment, housing, financial stability and family reunification, which reduces foster care placements. Treatment courts represent a compassionate approach to the devastation of addiction.