Drug addiction program in the Panhandle wants to expand

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – A program here in the Panhandle that helps people struggling with drug addiction is looking to expand.

The Potter, Randall and Armstrong Counties Drug Court created this program in 2010 to help individuals recovering from drug or alcohol addictions.

The program's resources are currently limited and efforts are being made to expand with other institutions to provide housing. There is currently a waiting list for people in the program who need housing.

“There are so many wonderful facilities in Amarillo that offer housing, but they simply don't have enough space for everyone. “So we're now accepting people into our program who are on the waiting list and need stable housing but it's not available yet. I have it, so that's a big struggle,” said Senior District Judge John Board.

According to the jury, up to 35 people can take part in the program.

Officials say the main reason many people fall into substance addiction is mental health and instability.

“Approximately 25% of all recent arrests in Amarillo have been drug or alcohol related in Randall County. “We have numbers that show that 60% of all felony cases that ultimately make it to the grand jury and are filed are drug or alcohol related,” the panel said.

The program helps provide substance abuse counseling while supporting the development and maintenance of life skills.

Officials say 40 to 60 percent of those who go through the program graduate and become productive members of society.

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