Hope Not Handcuffs - Helps Those Struggling With Addiction

Since it formed in 2007, the non-profit organization Face Addiction Now, or FAN (formerly known as Families Against Narcotics) emphasizes compassion and respect while coordinating support, care and recovery for individuals and families affected by substance abuse. One of the organization's more distinctive programs, Hope Not Handcuffs most recently joined as community partners with police departments in Belleville, Inkster, and Redford Township.

Established in 2017, Hope Not Handcuffs partners with more than 130 police agencies in 25 counties in Michigan to find treatment options for individuals seeking help with addiction. The aim is to find treatment and resources for those who want help with substance addiction rather than subjecting them to arrest and punishment. "Our ultimate goal for all of our programs is to teach community, including law enforcement and judges, and we do training regarding stigma reduction because what we want to do is avoid long-term impact of criminal records by offering support and resources that are tailored to each individual's needs. We believe in second chances," says FAN's Program Director for the Hope Not Handcuffs Program Kim Baffo.

Any individual who is struggling with substance abuse can walk into any participating police department and ask for help. Participating police agencies agree to assist in obtaining help for the individual rather than arrest them once their name is divulged and any criminal record is determined to exist. Baffo says that incarceration offers little help with addiction issues. She explains that while an individual will have the certainty of a bed and meals while incarcerated, treatment for substance use is not always the case, and once they are released, the challenges and responsibilities of daily life become overwhelming and substance use remains a habit for many. "We know at FAN that we can't do this ourselves so that's why we invite law enforcement, emergency rooms, fire departments, and we're working with EMTs and first responders, so that we can all come together to help save lives," she adds.

Once an individual reaches out for help at a participating police department, a FAN volunteer, known as a Volunteer Angel is called in to help with paperwork and phone calls and will provide support until a treatment location is found. Individuals can expect to be taken right from the police department to a treatment facility. Baffo says that once FAN's Volunteer Angels get involved when an individual requests help, it frees up police officers to do the work that needs to be addressed in their city. She agrees that while police officers are trained at the academy in handling people struggling with addiction, most police officers are not extensively trained in substance abuse and mental health issues. FAN and Hope Not Handcuffs provides a resource to address those problems.

Hope Not Handcuffs offer two other options for those who may not be near a police agency or who are hesitant to ask the police for help. A Help Line is available at 833-202-HOPE (4673) between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If calling outside the hours of operation, leave a message and all messages/calls will be returned promptly the following morning. Individuals can also fill out an assessment form online at https://faceaddictionnow.org/programs/hope-not-handcuffs and will receive contact from a Volunteer Angel as quickly as possible.

Once in treatment, individuals are supported with counseling and rehabilitation options including housing at a recovery home with the first two weeks paid by FAN. A peer recovery coach helps individuals stay on track with recovery and FAN will follow up on each individual's recovery for one year. Family members receive supportive services as well and all services are free of charge. FAN is also able to refer families to wrap-around services offered by outside community agencies, including assistance with utility payments and access to food pantries. Baffo says the goal is to get individuals and families to be self-sufficient and productive members of society while steering away from substance use and dysfunctional family behavioral habits. "If we can gain trust back into law enforcement from individuals and family members who are not so trusting right now, I think that's how we can all partner to bring our communities back together as safer and healthier communities," says Baffo.

To find out more about FAN, the Hope Not Handcuffs Program and to locate participating police agencies, go to https://faceaddictionnow.org/ and click on the Hope Not Handcuffs tab.