CDS offers place to get clean, program to stay that way
Name of program: Community Detox Services
What it does: “The program helps people get off alcohol and drugs and start on the path to a clean and sober lifestyle. It helps them rebuild their family again. It also helps give them a nice safe, warm place to be when they’re out there on the street intoxicated or under the influence instead of passing out in a park or other places,” said Executive Director Karen Bourget-Orosco.
Who runs it?: Community Detox Services of Spokane
How it works: CDS, 312 W. Eighth Ave., offers 10 programs to help people get clean and sober, including help for veterans, mental health counseling, an emergency patrol that brings people to the sobering unit, interim group therapy, involuntary treatment, and interventions.
The sobering unit gives intoxicated people a warm, safe place to sober up. The homeless and anyone else needing to sober up are given food, a cot and a place to rest. There are 12 beds, including two for adolescents age 13 to 18. Most people spend 12 hours in the sobering unit. Each month, an average of 350 to 375 people are treated.
Those who are serious about getting off drugs and alcohol can go through the detox program and are placed on a treatment plan. This usually lasts about five days. This unit has 16 beds. CDS treats an average of 90 patients per month.
The Cub House at 615 S. Thor St., offers a safe environment for 20 men who have completed treatment but require further assistance and support. The house is staffed with Chemical Dependency Counselors.
Typical client: “It’s really a combination. Generally, the sobering unit sees more homeless. There’s not a typical alcoholic person anymore. It’s amazing who we treat these days,” said Bourget-Orosco.
Cost: Treatment is free, unless an individual has medical insurance.
How to get help: Call Bourget-Orosco at 477-4632 or go to the sobering unit at 312 W. Eighth Ave. For information on the Cub House, call Bill Scissons at 535-4443.
How to help: CDS is always looking for blankets, towels and grooming items such as combs and toothbrushes.