Addiction Aftercare Programs in Las Cruces

According to the 2016 Community Health Assessment for Dona Ana County, which includes Las Cruces, substance abuse and mental health disorders are among the top health issues facing the community. The assessment found that 29% of adults in the county reported binge or heavy drinking, and 11% reported using opioids without a prescription. In addition, 14% of adults reported experiencing mental health issues.

The prevalence of these issues is reflected in the number of addiction aftercare programs available in Las Cruces and the surrounding areas. These programs provide ongoing support and resources for individuals who have completed a formal addiction treatment program and are seeking to maintain their sobriety.

One of the main addiction aftercare programs in Las Cruces is Project Link, operated by the Mesilla Valley Hospital. This program offers comprehensive aftercare services for individuals with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Services include individual and group therapy, peer support groups, medication management, and case management. According to their website, Project Link served 588 individuals in 2018.

Another prominent aftercare program in Las Cruces is Mesilla Valley Comprehensive Treatment Center, which offers medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. This program serves over 800 patients in southern New Mexico, including many from the Las Cruces area.

There are also several support group meetings in Las Cruces, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, that provide ongoing support for individuals in recovery. According to the Greater Las Cruces Area Meeting Directory, there are over 80 support group meetings in the Las Cruces area.

In addition to these programs, there are also a number of resources and initiatives in the state of New Mexico aimed at addressing addiction aftercare. These include:

1. The New Mexico Department of Health's Substance Abuse Epidemiology Profile, which provides data and statistics on substance abuse and treatment in the state.

2. The New Mexico Medication Assisted Treatment Expansion Project, which works to increase access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.

3. The New Mexico Statewide Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Program, which trains healthcare professionals to identify and intervene with individuals who have substance abuse issues.

4. The State of New Mexico Behavioral Health Planning Council, which works to develop and implement strategies for preventing and treating substance abuse and mental health disorders.

5. The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line, a 24/7 hotline that provides behavioral health services and referrals for individuals in crisis.

In conclusion, the high rate of substance abuse and mental health disorders in Las Cruces and the surrounding areas has led to the development of a variety of addiction aftercare programs and resources. These programs play an important role in supporting individuals in recovery and helping them maintain their sobriety. However, there is still a need for further initiatives and resources to address the ongoing issue of addiction in the area.