ACTS 26:18 
"To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."

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Many state and local criminal courts began to become inundated with felony drug defendants in the latter half of the 1980's.  Concern over growing street drug dealing and drug-related crime led to increased enforcement efforts against drug dealers and users, resulting in substantial  increases in felony drug caseloads.  Between 1980 and 1989, drug arrests in the United States increased 134%, while the number of total arrests increased 37%. 

 

Historical insights from the National Institute of Justice Drug Use Forecasting Program suggest that drug use is common among arrests for non-drug crimes as well. Suburban and rural courts, as well as those in urban areas, have been affected.  The emphasis on apprehension of low-level street dealers (often through undercover "buy-bust" or sting operations) and the escalation of legislated penalties against drug sale and possession, have tended to yield large numbers of serious felony arrests.

 

The strength of these cases, coupled with (1) more stringent plea bargaining and sentencing laws and (2) political pressure to be "tough" on drugs, has led to greater incarceration sentences for non-violent drug offenders.  It is not surprising, therefore, that the nation's jails and prisons have become severely overcrowded, primarily due to burgeoning incarceration rates for drug offenders, lack of rehabilitation programs, and need for best practices to reduce the recidivism rate.  The resultant strain on court systems has led to a continuing search for more effective ways to absorb the increase in drug arrests.

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The truth of the matter is, when mental and substance use disorders go unaddressed, they become more complex and more difficult to treat. Intervening early, before behavioral health conditions progress, is among the best and most cost-effective ways to improve overall health. Addressing the mental and substance use disorders with the impacted family member is also a cost-effective way to improve health and will support whole family recovery. Not all communities have trained professionals who can help individuals with behavioral health conditions. At the House of Acts treatment is provided in different settings—including outpatient, residential, and inpatient—based on the disorder and the intensity of care required.  Examples of proven, evidence-based and effective treatments include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Community Reinforcement Approach, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid or alcohol use disorder using an FDA-approved medication in combination with counseling and other services.  Effective approaches to treatment address all aspects of the illness (e.g. biological, psychological, and social).

 

From this, we have positioned the House of Acts to focus on five significant objectives:​

1. Support men's and women's health and wellness by providing evidence-based tools/resources that counter their substance abusive lifestyle.

2. Continued program development that is needed within vulnerable populations for substance abuse prevention and treatment.

3. Continued education for those who have neglected their education and basic life skills due to substance abuse.

4. Parenting education and family relationship strengthening is an interactive tool toward recovery and overall behavioral changes.

5. Prison alternative for non-violent, substance abusers and help reducing California's recidivism rate—as we teach, empower, and connect individuals with positive behavioral changes.