Pubdate: Fri, 14 Jul 2006
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2006 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Quentin Casey
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

PARENTS APPLY TO HAVE DRUG-ADDICTED TEENS FORCED INTO TREATMENT

New Alberta Law

A new program in Alberta that plucks youth from the wayward path of 
drug abuse has already been ordered for 10 individuals in less than two weeks.

The Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act took effect on July 1. 
Under the legislation, parents with a minor involved in damaging drug 
use can apply for a provincial court order to put them -- 
involuntarily -- in a protective safe house and detoxification 
program for five days. If the parents cannot bring the child in 
themselves, the RCMP or police will.

"It is the most intense form of intervention," said Darlene Gartner, 
senior manager of the program for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse 
Commission.

Since its inception, 10 court orders have been approved by provincial 
judges. Seven individuals are in the program, two have completed 
their stint and one is still outstanding. Three applications are 
pending and waiting to be heard.

While in the five-day program, the youth undergo detox services and 
are counselled -- with their parents -- on future treatment options.

The legislation was passed as a private member's bill in May, 2005.

Audrey Bjornstad broke down and cried that day in the legislature. 
Ms. Bjornstad is a co-founder of Parents Empowering Parents, a group 
that was instrumental in having the act drafted and passed.

The Sherwood Park physical therapist was inspired to seek change 
after feeling helpless dealing with her own child's drug addiction. 
Her son Tyler, now 19, became involved with crystal methamphetamine 
when he was 16. At one point he disappeared for three days and only 
turned up when he was arrested in a local meth house.

The downward spiral continued. "He was living on the streets and we 
couldn't do anything about it," Ms. Bjornstad said. "We couldn't 
apprehend him. It was against his rights to force him to come home. 
There was no way we could secure him against his will."

As the numbers show already, it's a problem that affects many.

"Addicts aren't straight-thinking people," she said. "You can't get 
them to voluntarily take themselves off the street and out of the 
world and away from the drugs. It doesn't happen."

Without being able to force her son into treatment, she struggled to 
find a solution in time.

"The demise is so quick, especially with meth. They can die in a very 
short time," she said. "We knew we were fighting the clock."

It wasn't until Tyler -- who Ms. Bjornstad described as being 
soft-spoken, loving and athletic before his addiction -- became 
criminally involved that they could act. More than eight months of 
treatment were followed by years of trying to prevent a relapse, 
which did occur.

Although she is extremely pleased the legislation was passed, Ms. 
Bjornstad said the five-day period must be extended. "We know that's 
not even close to what we need ... five days is just a drop in the bucket."

But for now she is pleased that steps have been made and other 
children are receiving help.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman