Pubdate: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 The Lethbridge Herald Contact: http://www.mysouthernalberta.com/leth/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239 Author: Dave Sulz Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) CRACK USE AMONG YOUTHS GROWING More Local Schools Requesting AADAC Program Services Drugs are overtaking alcohol as the preferred "high" road for southern Alberta youths and addictions experts in Lethbridge and area are dealing with a growing number of young people. "Alcohol was always the No. 1 drug of choice," said Susan Canning, Lethbridge-based area supervisor for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission. But alcohol is giving way to drugs among youth, with crack cocaine leading the charge. Canning said southern Alberta AADAC offices are not seeing large numbers of youths hooked on crystal meth, the latest potent drug, but "crack cocaine is increasing." The Lethbridge office handled 325 adolescents in 2003-04 and the numbers have been climbing, said south district manager Eldon Coward. "There's certainly been a dramatic increase in recent years in numbers," Coward said. It's not certain whether that's because there are more youths with addictions or just more seeking treatment. But Canning thinks one indication of increased drug or alcohol problems among adolescents is the fact more area schools are requesting AADAC program services. Canning and Coward aren't sure how effective forced drug treatment, as proposed by a provincial private member's bill, would be for young addicts. "AADAC has never offered compulsory treatment. We don't have any experience in that," said Coward. "Our mandate doesn't even allow us to confine people for treatment. Our programs are voluntary." Red Deer MLA Mary Anne Jablonski's proposed bill, Bill 202, would allow parents to obtain compulsory treatment for their drug-addicted children. Jablonski said there are still details to be worked out such as "how you know when a child is in need of treatment." Another key issue is funding to provide sufficient treatment facilities. "We have some good facilities in Edmonton and Calgary but we don't have enough, so funding is the next problem we need to tackle," she said. Jablonski expects the bill to be introduced to the legislature in March. Canning said AADAC programs have shown a good success rate with addicted youths and one of the keys is support from family and the community. "We find, in working with youth, the more family members or community supports we can engage in the process, the greater the chance for success," she said. AADAC has also begun using youths who have gone through the recovery program to mentor to others. This proves effective because youths in treatment feel more comfortable dealing with their peers. Originally, said Canning, the treatment program involved a three-month commitment but "youths have a hard time committing to a three-month program." Now youths are only asked to commit to three weeks, with the option of continuing in treatment after that time. Canning said most opt to remain in the program. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek