Many consumers with mental health problems also abuse drugs and alcohol. A significant percent of persons who are homeless have a mental illness, an addiction or both. Typically, treatment programs have failed to address both issues. In July 1998 the Behavioral Health System replaced the seven existing psychiatric emergency services with five enhanced Crisis Response Centers, now staffed by professionals with expertise to treat those with addictions as well as mental illnesses.

Beginning with support from a federal Target Cities Grant, OAS also offers persons in recovery a range of core social service supports, such as: life skills training, domestic violence counseling, family parenting skills, recreation therapy, sexual abuse counseling, literacy training and nutrition education. These core services have continued to be available following the completion of the grant.

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