Pubdate: Mon, 21 Nov 2005
Source: Edson Leader (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Edson Leader
Contact:  http://www.edsonleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/780
Author: Tamara Stecyk, Leader staff
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

EDDAC MAKING STRIDES IN TOWN

There's Action Against The Crystal Meth Addiction In Edson And It's Having 
Some Impact.

The Edson and District Drug Action Coalition (EDDAC) has been very busy in 
the last few months, reported coordinator Sherry Froehlich to members of 
the Edson Interagency Committee last Monday.

EDDAC has completed a three-year strategic plan and a budget. It's asking 
for funding from Yellowhead County during a council meeting this week.

The coalition has three steering committees, one of which is the support, 
transition and dialogue committee.

Members support addicts in recovery before their treatment. Some users in 
recovery are researching programs such as Moms off Meth and Smart Recovery 
to bring to Edson, said Froehlich.

They have also talked about the need for a treatment facility and a needle 
exchange.

Fred Tyrrell of Alberta Community Development is coming to Edson to 
facilitate a workshop so the committee can find out what are the specific 
needs in town.

Edith Zuidhof-Knoop, supervisor for the Edson office of the Alberta Alcohol 
and Drug Abuse Commission, explained the meth users in recovery are the 
committee advisors and they bring "realness to the table".

"It helps identify needs. They will help us get the feedback we need," said 
Zuidhof-Knoop.

EDDAC helped organize a successful From Hope to Healing conference where 
over 60 people attended. As a result, the next steps committee is examining 
what can be done to help family members affected by drug use.

There are two areas to focus on, a parent support group and helping people 
who are coming out of treatment and who have burned bridges with their 
loved ones, said Zuidhof-Knoop.

The committee is researching what programs are available in other 
communities, she added.

The public awareness and education committee is tossing around the idea of 
producing a video, said Froehlich.

She's also attempting to organize a restorative justice program, which 
helps victims of non-violent crimes.

The victims sit with their offenders to come up with a resolution and 
punishment for the crime.

"I'm going to be looking for community involvement. We have to sell it to 
the judge and the prosecutor. It's not easy for the victim to sit with the 
offender," said Froehlich.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom