BATH, N.Y. (WENY) -- Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard says he's not surprised so many inmates are suffering from drug addiction.
    
A recent study within the jail found about 80% of the near two-hundred inmates are facing substance abuse problems--a trend the department says is partially due to a lack of resources.

"[There's a] reduction in mental health treatment facilities and the inability to get treatment in this area," says Sheriff Jim Allard. "[Inmates] are committing crimes to feed their addiction."

Now the county is looking to address it.

The recently-adopted state budget will help the jail to expand its substance-abuse programs. That includes a full-time substance-abuse counselor, part-time nurse and a case manager to help inmates successfully transition when they're released.
    
According to the Sheriff's Office, inmates who enter the jail having used drugs are twelve times more likely to overdose when they leave, due to their tolerance level dropping.

"It's hugely important that they have a safe place to go and a case manager that directs them to the ongoing outpatient services so they can maintain their sobriety," says Allard.

This mulch-faceted approach, Allard says, will better ensure the safety of those individuals.
    
It will also help combat crime and drug-use within the county.

"It's a life saving program that we're going to roll-out," says Allard. "I think this gives them a chance to find sobriety or at least get a handle on it long enough to get them the long-term treatment they need to stay sober."