Pubdate: Fri, 8 Mar 2002 Source: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) Copyright: Allied Press Limited, 2002 Contact: http://www2.odt.co.nz Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/925 Author: Joanna Norris Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) YOUNG ALCOHOLICS, ADDICTS PUT AT RISK - POLICE SHARE CONCERN AT LACK OF DETOXIFICATION SERVICES By Joanna Norris Children as young as 12 with alcohol and drug problems are at risk from dangers such as sexual predators and violence as a lack of detoxification services in Otago hampers their care, police and health professionals say. There are big gaps in youth detox and alcohol and drug services in Otago, according to the Otago District Health Board child and youth consultative subcommittee papers released last month. It is a view shared by the police, who witness the dangers of a lack of facilities, particularly residential detox care, said Dunedin Youth Aid head Sergeant Kevin Davidson. "It's not only a problem of young people offending, but youth protection. A lot of young people need to be in some sort of institution to take them out of the negative environment they are in," he said. He said the safety of young people, especially girls, was often compromised if they had a drink or drugs problem. "We see young girls getting into situations they have no control over. Sexual predators will use drugs and alcohol as a means to contact their victims." The police dealt with under-12s with alcohol problems, who were often getting alcohol at home. Sgt Davidson said the most serious cases were not those who got drunk on a night out, but those whose lifestyle was affected because they persistently drank. "If they are getting to the stage where there is a long history with drugs and alcohol you are looking at a huge safety factor." He said young men were often the victims of violence. Four months ago a 15-year-old boy was allegedly raped while drunk. "I would like to see a youth-focused residential rehab facility. I appreciate it's a funding issue, but the more money put into early intervention the better," Sgt Davidson said. Richmond Fellowship Alcohol and Drug Detox Service clinical co-ordinator Lorraine Watson said, while the service was not aimed at young people, there was one bed available for detox in Dunedin, which could be used by a teenager if needed. Detox can take up to six days as people get through the peak of their addiction; however, often it was more appropriate for teenagers to detox in a "social detox" rather than being confined to a clinical situation, she said. Otago Youth Wellness practice manager Chris Morris said while more services may be required, it was important also to ensure they were "appropriate and accessible". "It's an issue that needs to be addressed and it needs funding," he said. Mirror Youth Day Programme and Counselling Service manager Debbie Fraser said residential programmes were not always the most effective way of treating youth addictions. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh