Pubdate: Fri, 26 Mar 2004
Source: Penticton Western (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Penticton Western
Contact:  http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310
Author: Wolf Depner
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

A SAFE PLACE TO GO AFTER DETOX

Women recovering from drug addiction may soon have a safe place to stay, 
thanks to a local woman's efforts.

Leisha Blais, recovering from an addiction herself, plans this June to open 
the Okanagan Recovery House for Women.

Drug use is rising while service levels are falling, said Blais, who has a 
background in nursing as well as addiction and social programming.

"Our community is suffering from a significant increase of substance 
misuse...and many women are falling through the gaps in mental health and 
addiction services in our community," she said.

The five-bed home will be a transition facility for women following 
complete detoxification, she said.

Women who return to the area after receiving advanced treatment in larger 
centres are also eligible, as are some mental health patients.

Studies show that women are most likely to relapse shortly after completing 
detoxification or returning from treatment, said Blais.

The recovery house will be a facility where women recovering from addiction 
can work toward re-integration into society, said Blais.

"That's the number one goal," she said. "It's to have women become 
productive members of society."

Women will be able to stay at the facility for up to three months where 
they will work with local services groups, including Pathways, and 
provincial ministries such as the ministry of children and family development.

Community participation will increase positive outcomes and reduce overall 
costs, she said.

Blais, who plans to live in the facility herself for the first six to 12 
months, is now actively seeking support from the provincial and federal 
government for the facility which will run on a not-for-profit basis.

"My goal is to have Interior Health recognize the facility," she said.

She estimates annual operating expenses to be about $100,000, adding she 
has already received many donations.

Blais is currently looking for a property to house the facility. She admits 
that some people won't like the idea of a transition house in a residential 
area, if opposition to a proposed needle exchange program last year is any 
indication.

But the facility will benefit the entire community because it will help 
lower the influence of drugs, the number of drug-related crimes and build 
better families, she said.

"Would you rather have a crack house or a recovery house?" she asked.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom