Pubdate: Fri, 22 Oct 2004
Source: Fort Saskatchewan Record, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004 The Fort Saskatchewan Record
Contact:  http://www.fortsaskatchewanrecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/824
Author: Chris Munkedal
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

DRUG AWARENESS COMMITTEE SET TO LOBBY GOV'T

Local Group Wants To 'Broaden Horizons' Beyond Public Drug Awareness Education

Fort Saskatchewan Record -- A committee that is determined to raise 
awareness of community drug issues is setting their sights on lobbying the 
government to make more treatment options available for crystal 
methamphetamine addicts.

"Certainly we need to look at treatment," says Gail Steeves, community 
development coordinator with the city, and a member of the Fort 
Saskatchewan Drug Awareness Steering Committee.

Boys and Girls Club Executive Director, and Chairperson of the committee 
Wendy Serink says the group is aiming to compile an inventory of services 
and resources to assist people who work, live with, or are in contact with 
drug addicts.

"We need to find out what's available out there for the community to 
utilize," says Serink.

Steeves says finding what treatment options are available is an important 
component of developing that inventory.

"I think the problem with treatment is that there isn't a lot out there, 
and it's not mandatory," says Steeves.

"It's voluntarily," explains Serink. "So, if you go into some of the 
traditional AADAC treatment programs, you have to go willingly and 
voluntarily. Where as what I think we're finding with people using crystal 
meth, although they want to become non-users, they just don't have the 
ability to seek help."

"(An addict's) need to use the drug is more powerful than their need to get 
clean," adds Steeves.

Serink says a parent can't admit their teen into a treatment facility 
unless that teen wants to be there.

The committee, consisting of youth organizations, parents, community 
groups, police, school, and council representatives meets monthly at the 
Boys and Girls Club.

The club initiated the inception of the proactive committee following the 
distribution of their survey on drug use that was distributed to schools.

The survey indicated usage, particularly of crystal meth, was on the rise.

Their mandate is "to create public awareness, provide information and 
address current and emerging drug related issues specific to prevention, 
education, training and treatment."

The committee capped off their first year at the end of June, and took a 
two-month break from meeting because of conflicting schedules with members.

Since January of 2004, they've raised awareness about the meth issue in the 
community, which is also of prevalence in the province.

They've done so by holding public forums that featured individuals with 
first-hand knowledge on the drug.

The committee, along with their newly developed mandate has set goals and 
strategies for achieving their objections.

Mandatory treatment is one of the things the committee wants to lobby for.

Steeves says the Family and Community Support Services Board has sent 
letters to the Solicitor General that identify issues, which many other 
communities are also facing.

"I think we're doing really well in the education and awareness venue, but 
we need to broaden our horizons a bit," said Steeves.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D