Pubdate: Sat, 18 Jun 2005
Source: Timmins Times (CN ON)
Contact:  http://www.timminstimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2032
Author: Arron Pickard
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

CONSTANCE LAKE DEALING WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADDICTIONS

Addictions running rampant within First Nations community. "It affects 
everyone, even those who don't use the drugs." -Linda Chum, Constance Lake

Timmins Times -- The community of Constance Lake First Nation is uniting 
with various organizations to fight the abuse of prescription drugs, which 
is quickly becoming an epidemic.

While the abuse of such drugs as Oxycodone, Oxycontin and percocet isn't a 
new phenomenon, it is becoming a growing concern to the local council and 
health care workers. Constance Lake First Nation drug and alcohol 
counsellor Linda Chum, said addictions to these prescribed drugs is running 
rampant in her community and is affecting everyone in the community.

"It affects everyone, even those who don't use the drugs," she said.

"We've seen a ripple effect of sorts in the community. As such, we want to 
take a proactive approach to this problem. We've instituted a zero 
tolerance policy in dealing with prescription drugs and dealers will be 
facing legal enforcement if they're caught."

Officials of the First Nation are alarmed at the increasing supply of 
prescription drugs coming into their community on a regular basis. Chum 
said unfortunately, prescription drugs are relatively easy to come by, like 
marijuana and cocaine.

Not only do they want to prevent this problem from escalating any further, 
they are trying to prevent any deaths that could occur as a result.

The community of Timmins was shattered by the deaths of two teenagers a 
year ago, who died from taking the drug Oxycontin.

Chief Arthur Moore said his organization is taking steps to educate the 
public about the seriousness of the problem.

"What we want to do is deter, or educate members about the problems that 
stem from the distribution of prescription drugs," Chief Moore said. "When 
it comes to those who are addicted to these drugs, we don't want to address 
this in a way that will seem offensive or aggressive. Instead, we want to 
appeal to their conscience. We're calling it Special Operation Tough Love 
in an effort to help those who are addicted.

"We want them to come forward on their own and admit they need help. This 
way, they can become a part of the solution."

"An elder once said that silence is the enemy that destroys a community." 
Chum added.

"Well, we're not going to keep silent. We're going to shout this from the 
hilltops and get everyone that needs help the help they need. Furthermore, 
dealers will be dealt with by the law. There's no where to go but forward."

Constance Lake is currently working with other First Nations that are 
struggling with similar problems.

"Education will play a key role in our efforts of addressing this 
situation," Chief Moore said.

"We can't just sit around and talk about it. We have to be clear with what 
we're going to do about it.

"By doing that, hopefully other communities will take notice and deal with 
the situation too."

To further aid their efforts, Constance Lake First Nation is looking into 
setting up a centre where people can go to get the help they need to 
overcome their addictions.

"We are discussing the idea of establishing a wellness centre," Chum said.

"Withdrawals are nasty, it's like getting off heroine. We do have people in 
detox already, so the steps are there for this program."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom