Substance abuse issues are a serious and prevalent concern in a very high percentage of incarcerated individuals.  Inmates are carefully assessed at Intake for evidence of substance abuse-related disorders and are referred to substance abuse counselors when appropriate. Often, substance abuse and withdrawal issues can masquerade as symptoms of mental illness which can then lead to inappropriate diagnosis and over-medication. CMHS does not medicate solely based on a report of past use of psychotropic medications during periods of active substance use.  Instead, we focus on underlying disorders that require treatment for effective management, but only after the treatment needs are clearly established.