Pubdate: Mon, 02 May 2005
Source: Edson Leader (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Edson Leader
Contact:  http://www.edsonleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/780
Author: Ed Moore
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

INITIATIVE HELPS ADDICTS

Edson and area youth encountering drug and alcohol problems will benefit 
from a provincial initiative starting in June.

The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) will be opening youth 
detoxification and residential treatment programs in both Edmonton and 
Calgary, thanks to a $4.2 million provincial investment.

The money, part of a $74.3 million boost from the province, will help to 
fill a void in Edson and area, said Edson AADAC addictions counsellor Rania 
Page.

"It will because we don't have anything like this in our region right now."

The program, part of the Alberta Drug Strategy, will assist youth up to the 
age of 18, added Page.

The two residential treatment centres, one in Edmonton, the other in 
Calgary, will have room for four detox and eight residential beds. Under 
the system, youth are either put into detox, where support is available on 
a 24/7 basis or placed into an intensive residential day regimen. This 
includes schooling, a recreation program and treatment, in-residence.

"It's free and confidential and we really encourage families to get 
involved," said AADAC senior manager - youth services Marilyn Mitchell.

The Edmonton facility, housing youth detox and treatment is being developed 
in cooperation with Child and Family Services and is based on a group care 
model, while the Calgary program is being undertaken through public tender 
and incorporates an innovative adventure therapy wilderness model.

Youth who have experienced problems with methamphetamine will also be 
helped in this program.

"We are developing a crystal meth stream in our program," said Mitchell.

Calgary-Lougheed MLA Dave Rodney is the chairperson of AADAC.

He said the major funding provided by the government will assist to keep 
families together.

"If left untreated, substance abuse exacts a huge toll on users, their 
families and society. However, we know from AADACs more than 50 years of 
experience that treatment of addiction can often be very successful, 
particularly in the early stages, and amongst young people," said Rodney.

Also, AADAC will expand the existing Edmonton Bridges program to Calgary, 
in cooperation with the Alberta Solicitor General. Bridges is a partnered 
treatment program for young male offenders, sentenced to open custody who 
have been assessed as having mental health and addictions problems.
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MAP posted-by: Beth