Pubdate: Sat, 02 Jul 2005
Source: Prince Albert Daily Herald (CN SN)
Copyright: 2005 Prince Albert Daily Herald
Contact:  http://www.paherald.sk.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1918
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)

PLAN ARRIVES AT PERFECT TIME 	

Wednesday, a huge crowd turned out in Prince Albert to learn about the
threat of crystal meth and to hear about a plan to address substance
abuse in this region.

On Thursday morning, Community Resources and Employment Minister
Joanne Crofford sent out a press release announcing the province's
launch of a review of Saskatchewan's approach to treating addicted
youth.

The timing is interesting, to say the least.

There is no question there has been a surge in awareness of the
limited availability of addictions services, particularly for youth.
The spread of crystal meth use, a drug which often requires immediate
and intense detox treatment, has highlighted the problem. The fact the
four daily newspapers in the province worked together on a project
surrounding crystal meth is evidence of this.

And the public's interest has brought the issue onto the radar screen
of the government.

It is fortunate Prince Albert has its comprehensive action plan in
place. It is important the lobbying of the NDP to help bring the
addictions/detoxification strategy to life kicks into high gear.

The emotional fuel for this fire should come from the stories about
the turmoil caused in families by addiction. Parents are actually
coming to the police to get their children arrested, since the courts
often are the only tool parents have to force their kids into treatment.

There needs to be another way.

Those who have been circulating a petition to allow parents more tools
to force their addicted children into treatment should also see
opportunity in the provincial review. Crofford says the effort will
include exploring the use of secure care for those who are resistant
to voluntary treatment.

The nature of politicians is to react when the most points can be
clearly scored with the public. And voters have made it clear this is
an issue they care about. But there is a window of opportunity that
must be entered before the government moves to the next hot topic.

Prince Albert's wise preparation should allow the community to benefit
from good political timing. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake