Pubdate: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 Source: Hope Standard (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Hope Standard Contact: http://www.hopestandard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1397 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) FHA STUDY TO DELVE INTO THE WORLD OF ADDICTED YOUTH TO IMPROVE TREATMENT What kinds of drugs are teen addicts using? Are they on the street or living at home? When did they first try their drug of choice? These and other secrets of drug and alcohol addiction in youth ages 12 to 18 will be explored in a new Fraser Health Authority (FHA) study. Alcohol and drug abuse among youth is a growing concern - particularly crystal meth, a toxic drug popular with street youth, young women and frequenters of clubs and raves. The first of its kind in the FHA, the study will follow the treatment of up to 300 addicted youth from the time they first see an intake worker, through their treatment either at home or in a residential program. The study will continue until March 31, 2005, with the goal of following as many youth as are willing to participate in the voluntary study, said FHA addictions expert Sherry Mumford. The information gleaned from the study will be invaluable in developing youth addictions programs, Mumford said. "We always throw money in to try to build it [the program] up but we've never done it on a real solid and evidence-based foundation. You throw more money in and you put more beds in - but is that what you really need?" For example, there is an intensive day treatment program in New Westminster but none in either the Fraser South or Fraser East areas. These are less costly programs that don't require beds or 24-hour care. But officials don't know if that model would work in other areas because it hasn't been done, Mumford said. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek