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.
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