Pubdate: Sun, 07 Aug 2005
Source: Meadow Lake Progress (CN SN)
Copyright: 2005 Meadow Lake Progress
Contact:  http://www.meadowlakeprogress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2156

METH ADDICTS NEED TREATMENT CENTERS, NOT HOTLINES

Lorne Calvert's government has announced new measures to deal with
Saskatchewan's growing crystal meth problem, including opening up the
24-hour health hotline.

Addictions counsellors will be waiting to answer people's questions and
provide specialized counselling about crystal meth.

The province will also be launching an awareness campaign targeting high
school students.

The government is promising to do more to prevent the use of common
household products to produce meth, and plan on putting the drugs on the
agenda at the next Western premier's conference, in Lloydminster, in May.

But a hotline isn't what is needed. Addicts, and their families, need
addictions treatment program specifically for children; centers capable of
treating individuals for extended periods; safe houses for individuals at
risk waiting to get into treatment centers; and readily available family
counseling.

Virtually unknown in Saskatchewan a few years ago, crystal meth is now
considered a growing problem in communities throughout the province.

It's a cheap, highly addictive drug that can be made from readily obtained
chemicals.

Even if there were enough treatment centers, they are literally addressing
only the symptoms of drug proliferation. Police detachments are woefully
understaffed, especially in the north, where crystal meth is destroying
lives.

There must be support for police enforcement from the federal government,
and Canada has to stop the proliferation of crystal meth, and other
addictive substances.

The government has promised to consider allowing parents to place addicted
children into treatment, without the child's consent.

But if there aren't enough treatment centers to begin with, there won't be
any help for those kids to refuse. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Josh