05/13/2026
Jails Institutions or Death
" When at the end of the road we find that we can no longer function as human beings, either with or without drugs, we all face the same dilemma. What is there left to do? There seems to be this alternative: either go on as best we can to the bitter ends—jails, institutions, or death—or find a new way to live"
Quote from: Narcotics Anonymous, Blue Book, We do Recover
These were the consequences I faced when I was in my active addiction. These are also the only possible outcomes to untreated Severe Mental Illness (SMI). It saddens and worries me that these can be the same results for my daughter who has never been an alcoholic or drug addict.
50-98% of individuals with SMI have a co-occurring neurological disorder known as ANOSGNOSIA, the number one barrier to treatment. Anosognosia is their inability to be able to recognize that they have illness and need treatment. It is not denial of their diagnosis. It is where the brain fails to process or acknowledge the presence of illness.
Would you take medication if you didn't think you were sick?
We have to help them reach recovery!
It is also the number one reason for non-adherence to treatment and medication, leading to untreated SMI.
For more information on Anosognosia
https://www.tac.org/anosognosia/
Up to 98% of people with schizophrenia have Anosognosia to some degree. The degree to which it affects them is also dependent on their level of psychosis.
Active psychosis also causes long lasting or permanent brain damage. These episodes can cause their base line normal to degrade and anosognosia to worsen.
https://www.tac.org/deterioration/
There are over 11 thousand individuals with mental illness in Michigan jails. Our jails are not equipped nor meant to treat mental illness. There are over 8000 permanently homeless individuals and upwards of 33,000 temporarily homeless in Michigan each year. 1 in 5 suffer from untreated SMI.
We have roughly 2400 hospital beds in Michigan. This is not enough.
Jails institutions and death are not the solution to Severe Mental Illness.
They deserve recovery and it is possible! Early treatment and family support is crucial. Don't give up on your loved ones. They need your help to recover!
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