Pubdate: Wed, 07 Dec 2005
Source: Airdrie Echo (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Airdrie Echo
Contact:  http://www.airdrieecho.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1558
Author: Brooke Hogemann, Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

MORE BEDS HELP COMBAT ADDICTION

In an effort to combat youth drug and alcohol
addiction, several new youth treatment beds have been added to
treatment centres in Calgary and Edmonton.

The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) officially
opened 24 treatment beds for youths aged 12 to 17 years as part of a
provincial program for adolescents.

"The strategy is something the government pulled together on how to
combat substance abuse addiction," said Tom Mountain, an AADAC youth
services counsellor in Calgary. "We wanted to meet the needs of as
many Albertans as we could."

Of the 24 beds, 12 are located in Calgary. Four of them are for the
detox and stabilization program, while the other eight are for the
12-week residential treatment program. The new services include a
special treatment protocol to address growing concerns about crystal
meth use.

"We want to help our youth live free from the harms of alcohol and
drug addiction," said Dave Rodney, Calgary AADAC chairperson.

"These complex problems are best tackled by a strategy that includes
having government work with community partners to produce innovative
and effective solutions.

"We know we're stronger together," Rodney added, "and that cooperation
is going to help us to achieve success over addictions."

The detoxification program is operated by Hull Child and Family
Services and is a six-to 10-day program, where youth can recover from
the effects of addiction in a safe environment and then be referred
for ongoing treatment. The 12-week residential program is operated by
Enviros Wilderness School and employs an adventure therapy model,
where young substance abusers are in a camp near Banff.

AADAC, in collaboration with government partners and community groups,
has developed an Alberta drug strategy that sets a vision and action
framework for a coordinated, community-based approach to prevent and
reduce alcohol and drug use.

Albertans can access AADAC's youth services by calling the
confidential help line 24 hours a day at 1-866-332-2322. For more
information on the Alberta drug strategy, visit: www.aadac.com
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake