JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will create nine recovery courts to combat mental health and substance abuse issues.
The Jackson Sun reports the courts will combine the services currently found in drug courts with those of mental health courts and veterans courts.
Department Commissioner Douglas Varney says that because so many people dealing with substance abuse also have a mental health issue, the recovery courts will help them get all the help they need at one time and in one location.
Recovery courts use intensive judicial supervision, treatment services, sanctions and incentives to address the needs of addicted nonviolent offenders.
The locations of the new courts has not yet been determined.