Pubdate: Fri, 06 Oct 2006 Source: Maple Ridge Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc Contact: http://www.mrtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1372 Author: Keith Anderson MRTC DOESN'T TOLERATE DRUGS Editor: Our program at Maple Ridge Treatment Centre is designed to address the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual needs of each person who enters treatment; people can best adopt new values and change entrenched behavioural patterns in an environment that provides support, empowers individuals and fosters trust. For your readers who may have missed them, I'd like to share some comments sent to local papers this September, copied to us, by past clients and their families describing their positive experiences with MRTC. "My son has attended five treatment centres in the past, and was...thrown out on the street for using or being suspected of using. All five times, he went underground, hated himself, and systematically went out to hurt himself from the shame...most of society places on addicts. For my son, all five treatment attempts ended up with him in emergency - twice close to death. The MRTC welcomed my son with open arms, treated him with respect, held him accountable, worked with him - and didn't give up. He has slipped there, and MRTC clinicians increased support instead of withdrawing it. On Sunday Sept. 17, he will celebrate 30 days without drugs and alcohol - the longest he has experienced (P. MacDonald)." "I can also say with absolute certainty that MRTC does not 'tolerate' drug use. They do everything they can to discourage it, and I have witnessed several men discharged for use during my stay... their decision to discharge a client is made on a case-by-case basis. To me, that shows a lot more caring than does a policy of zero tolerance (M. Stainton)." Community understanding and support is one component of individuals' success in gaining and maintaining a clean and sober lifestyle. Thank you for this opportunity to increase awareness of the MRTC's programs. Keith Anderson President and Chief Executive Officer (interim) Fraser Health - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine