Pubdate: Tue, 07 Feb 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: Danna Johnson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)

DRUG COUNSELLING OFFERED IN JAIL CELLS

When the crystal meth task force was launched two years ago, there 
were hundreds of people living on local streets.

Today, boasts Maple Ridge Mayor Gord Robson, there are far less who 
call the streets, the sidewalks, the alleyways their home.

"When we started we had between 400 and 500 people on the street," he said.

"Today, we have about 62 people."

That success in getting people off the streets is a direct result of 
different groups coming together with a single purpose - to get 
addicts the help they need, when they need it.

"We're making sure that anybody that wants to go to treatment can go."

When asked whether Mayor Robson believes Maple Ridge will ever solve 
the crystal meth problem or homelessness in general, his answer is negative.

"But I think we can get it down to the point where we are dealing 
with a couple of dozen people."

The latest addition to treatment on demand is done through 
cooperation between Ridge Meadows RCMP and Alouette Addictions Services.

Now, whenever someone is arrested and left to stay in cells 
overnight, if they appear to be intoxicated, they are offered the 
option of speaking to a drug and alcohol counsellor.

Cpl. Gord Brownridge heads the program and is impressed by the results.

"By the time they get to our cells they're often at a point in their 
lives where they realize this isn't the way to go."

Once they agree to meet with an addictions counsellor, Brownridge has 
them sign a waiver, and Alouette Addictions is contacted.

"So far I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of people who 
are at least willing to be contacted," Brownridge said, and added 
about 50 per cent of all those in cells with obvious substance abuse 
problems agree to see a counsellor.

"It's pretty good considering a lot of these people are homeless. 
It's a big step for them to even realize they need help."

While Brownridge has only been at the Ridge Meadows detachment since 
April, this is his fifth posting, and this program, he said, would be 
of value in every community he's served.

"You have people who are regulars and a lot of it comes down to their 
lifestyle, whether it be alcohol or drug use. You have to get to the 
root of the problem," he said.

Brownridge is unaware of any program like this in the Lower Mainland, 
but suggests Ridge Meadows could provide a template for other detachments.

"If we can show them that it's a good thing to do," he said other 
communities may follow suit. "As far as I'm concerned, if we can 
change one person, it's going to mean something."

Meanwhile, Robson suggests the simple fact that Maple Ridge keeps 
track of its homeless population and has such a good handle on it, is 
unheard of.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom