Providing a Way to Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths with Greeley Halfway Houses

Nestled north of Denver, Greeley, Colorado is a city that offers a delightful blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures.  Greeley is known as the “Heart of Weld County” and is a hub for agriculture, particularly sugar beets.  The city also has a rich history, dating back to the 1860s, and a vibrant cultural scene. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize that Colorado, including Greeley, is confronted with a significant issue concerning opioid overdose deaths.

 

Opioid overdose is a serious issue in Weld County, Colorado, which includes the city of Greeley.  Data collected between 2001 and 2020 shows an alarming trend. Over half of all drug overdose deaths in Weld County during that period involved opioids, either prescribed by a doctor or illicitly obtained. While Weld County’s opioid overdose death rate is lower than the state’s average, it has been steadily increasing in recent years. While opioids are a major concern, Weld County also faces a significant problem with methamphetamine abuse.

 

Halfway houses in Greeley serve as invaluable resources, offering guidance and support to those in need, emphasizing that the journey toward sobriety doesn’t have to be navigated alone. Amidst the city’s daily operations, there exists a halfway house in Colorado ready to accompany, inspire, encourage, and assist individuals in overcoming opioid overdose and addictions, paving the way for a brighter, alcohol-free future.

 

Does Colorado have an opioid problem?

Yes, Colorado is facing significant problems regarding opioids. Opioid overdoses have become the leading cause of accidental death within the state. According to the Colorado Health Institute, reports show a sharp rise in these deaths, with a documented increase of 54% in 2020 alone compared to the previous year.

 

Opioids, mainly fentanyl, contribute greatly to this trend. According to the Colorado Health Institute, deaths involving fentanyl account for a substantial percentage of all opioid-related fatalities in Colorado. The issue isn’t limited to specific areas; it affects communities across the state, impacting both urban and rural populations. Places like the San Luis Valley have experienced considerable challenges due to the opioid crisis.

 

In 2018, Colorado recorded 543 opioid overdose deaths. These fatalities were caused by both prescription opioids and illegal opioids such as heroin. While opioid overdose deaths in Colorado are below the national average, the state has experienced concerning trends. Between 2010 and 2017, fatal heroin overdoses increased by up to five times. The number of overdose deaths from fentanyl, methadone, and other prescription opioids also doubled during that period.

What is the story of the halfway house?

The concept of halfway houses has a long history. While the exact origin is unclear, there’s evidence of facilities with a similar function appearing in Europe and Ireland in the early 1800s. In the United States, there are records of programs around 1820 that aimed to help the poor and homeless get back on their feet. Some of these programs, like the Isaac T. Hopper House in New York City founded in 1845, eventually began serving people released their sentences. These early facilities offered a structured environment with support staff, helping individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration.

 

Prior to the mid-18th century, the dominant approach to corrections was deterrence. Punishment was seen as a way to discourage wrongdoings, with a focus on swift and harsh penalties. Halfway houses offered a different philosophy, one that emphasized rehabilitation and preparing individuals for life after going behind bars.

 

By the 1950s, the term “halfway house” became widely used, replacing earlier terms like “transitional housing.” The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of the “residential continuum” concept, which viewed halfway houses in the overall rehabilitation process for offenders. The establishment of the International Halfway House Association (IHHA) in 1964 further solidified the role of halfway houses within the U.S. justice system.

 

Today, halfway houses have a rich history rooted in humanitarianism, rehabilitation, and reintegration, adapting to changing philosophies and societal needs over time. They serve a diverse population, including those recently released from their sentences, and people in recovery from substance abuse or mental health challenges.

Who were halfway houses originally designed as residence for?

Halfway houses were originally designed as residences for those reintegrating into society after incarceration. The idea was to provide a supportive environment to help them adjust to life outside and reduce recidivism. Over time, halfway houses also became a resource for people recovering from substance abuse.

 

Halfway houses were initially developed to provide transitional opportunities for individuals who were attempting to return to society as healthy, law-abiding, and productive members after being found guilty. In the United States, the concept of halfway houses dates back to the early 19th century. Originally, they housed the homeless and the poor, but by 1845, facilities like New York City’s Isaac T. Hopper House became a popular resource for offenders, like mentioned above. These halfway houses offered pre-release opportunities for individuals to reintegrate into society through structured programs with supportive staff members.

 

The historical context of halfway houses has evolved over time. As mentioned previously, from the mid-18th century, correctional philosophy focused on deterrence theory, assuming that offenders were rational actors whose punishment should fit their actions. However, by the beginning of the 20th century, the paradigm shifted to “positivism,” emphasizing understanding the individual and rehabilitation rather than punishment. Halfway houses played a part in this shift.

Promote Early Recovery from Drug Abuse and Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths with Greeley Halfway Houses

Opioid overdose is a life-threatening situation that occurs when a person takes too much of an opioid drug. This can have severe consequences for the body’s main functions. For many, their body’s functions are severely disrupted, potentially leading to death. Half of all drug overdose deaths (552) in Weld County involved opioids (prescription or illicit). Weld County accounted for 3.6% of Colorado’s opioid-involved overdose deaths during that period. The age-adjusted overdose death rate from opioids in Weld County increased from 3.7 per 100,000 residents in 2017 to 10.7 in 2020, though it remains lower than the state’s overall rate.

 

There is hope for recovery from opioid addiction. Halfway houses in Greeley can be a valuable resource in the journey back to health. To address this crisis of opioid overdose, Colorado halfway houses are implementing comprehensive strategies, including increasing access to addiction programs, enhancing monitoring of opioid prescriptions, and implementing community-based prevention efforts. These structured living environments provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to transition from inpatient treatment back into independent living. These facilities offer a compassionate staff, and personalized plans tailored to your needs. 

Resources:

[1] History of Halfway Houses – Open Oregon Educational Resources

[2] Opioids in Weld County – Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment

[3] More Overdose Deaths – Colorado Health Institute