City of Albuquerque Medical Sobering Center - The City of Albuquerque is implementing a Medical Sobering Center in order to develop a first responder and law enforcement diversion program aimed at providing access to services while also reducing a growing 9-1-1 emergency response rate caused by individuals experiencing Substance Use Disorder (SUD) who have moderate to severe intoxication, may have survived an overdose and may be experiencing homelessness. The City Department of Family and Community Services Division of Behavioral Health and Wellness will oversee this project to: (1) divert individuals with moderate acuity intoxication from overcrowded emergency departments and jail to a safe place to gain sobriety; (2) establish a front-door access to services including treatment, recovery supports, case management, recovery housing, and other unmet social needs to ultimately end the cycle of addiction; and (3) reduce morbidity and mortality related to substance misuse/SUD by improving health outcomes and, in turn, reducing the need for emergency response. Currently neither the city, nor the state of New Mexico, have such a resource. The project will serve some of the City and Bernalillo County's most fragile and underserved residents and will address the immediate clinical needs of persons experiencing moderate to severe intoxication in a safe, lower cost site, while also meeting the broader needs of the clients by creating access to case management, treatment, and social resources.
Specifically, a medical sobering center is a short-term care facility designed to allow an individual who is intoxicated and nonviolent to safely recover from the debilitating effects of alcohol and/or drugs. Sobering centers are separate and distinct from two other kinds of alcohol-related care facilities: detoxification centers, which support individuals in the gradual and complete cessation of consumption over a period of days; and sober living house, which provide a group residential setting for those in recovery. The Medical Sobering Center will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and have lengths of stay ranging from four to just under 24 hours. The program will work to stabilize adults intoxicated from drugs, such as opioids, methamphetamines, and crack cocaine, in addition to addressing alcohol inebriation. Participation is voluntary, and patients are free to leave at any time. The site will initially accept adults 18 years and older who are transported by City emergency vehicles as a result of 9-1-1 emergency response. Clients will be monitored regularly for negative effects of intoxication, including alcohol poisoning and drug overdoes. In addition to providing a secure environment to recover from intoxication, the medical sobering center will offer screenings for substance use disorders, acute medical and mental health conditions, injuries, health care services eligibility, as well as brief interventions, and motivational interviewing. Direct referrals will be provided to substance use treatment, shelter, and other services.
It is anticipated the Albuquerque Medical Sobering Center will open fall 2023 as it is currently under construction. The facility design anticipates to have a combination of 49 total beds, recliners, and private rooms. The total number of clients to be served on an annual basis is anticipated at roughly 17,885 clients. It is still unknown how many of the clients will be unduplicated/duplicated; however, this data will be tracked and reported.
Outcome data will be captured to better understand impact of services. Outcomes include length of stay; transport to higher levels of care; needs assessments competed; numbers and types of admissions and referrals in/out; numbers and types of refusal/ineligibles; discharge status and care plan; repeat visits; and facilitated connections to additional services.
