Laredo's ROOTS Recovery Center Helps 520 Patients as Drug Use Trends Shift

Over the last 14 months,(ROOTS) Recovery Center has assisted over 520 individuals and intends to keep providing this service. The facility also aims to inform the public that it is ready to assist with the detoxification journey.

Dr. Viviana Martinez, head of the ROOTS Recovery Center, discussed the advancements the detox facility has achieved and its effect on residents striving to improve their lives.

Martinez mentioned that approximately 80% of the patients coming into the center have co-occurring disorders. This indicates that a patient suffers from a mental health issue and might be provided with medication or directed toward mental health resources during their stay. Certain patients return repeatedly, as Martinez noted some people visiting the center up to five or six times.

Nevertheless, Martinez observed that among individuals undergoing the detoxification process repeatedly, there has been a change in their substance usage—from more potent drugs to milder alternatives. This transition caught her off guard but also offered her encouragement regarding her patients' progress.

We've had people who used heroin or fentanyl during their initial visits, but now they're turning to cocaine or alcohol," Martinez stated. "These remain strong drugs, but when it comes to danger, they pose less of a threat than heroin or fentanyl. Therefore, we're noticing a decline in those using fentanyl and more people avoiding it.

A program run by 36 full-time workers and three contracted employees assists adults aged 18 and above dealing with drug addiction, and Martinez utilizes the available resources to deliver essential care to clients. The city of Laredo provides financial support for the rehabilitation center.

At this moment, we haven't received any state or federal funds, and this relies on money from our taxpayers since the city is covering the expenses for their care," Martinez stated. "If they are able to afford it, they will, but they won't get a bill.

The financial allocation for the detox facility during the 2024-25 fiscal period amounts to $360,000. No official funding figure has been established yet for the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year.

In March, U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar toured the rehabilitation center, with Martinez giving him a guided overview. She explained that most patients reside there for about two weeks, although certain individuals may extend their stays up to 25 days. The facility can accommodate 24 residents at one time, featuring separate living spaces based on gender, along with communal zones, an external recreational area, and shared activity rooms.

Cuellar obtained a $2 million special allocation in 2022 for the rehabilitation facility.