Pubdate: Fri, 26 May 2006
Source: Kamloops This Week (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Kamloops This Week
Contact:  http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1271
Author: Darshan Lindsay
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH KICKERS UNDER REVIEW

A groundbreaking treatment program targetting crystal meth addiction
is on hold as counsellors review its effectiveness.

While public, political and media attention raised the profile of the
Meth Kickers program, operated through the Phoenix Centre's Raven
Program, the results weren't striking.

Of the 22 people who went through the six-week program, which ran in
four groups over the past year, only seven were able to finish without
using crystal meth.

A 30-plus per cent success rate is not bad when it comes to treating
addictions, said youth and family program supervisor Patrick McDonald,
but it highlights the challenges addictions counsellors face in trying
to help those using drugs.

"We really think some good was done with Meth Kickers, but all of us
who provided help, we knew the clients that walked through that door
needed a hell of a lot more than we could offer them."

The six-week program was unique because it targeted one substance -
crystal meth - while still allowing participants to use other, less
harmful drugs on a limited basis.

There was a detox component, followed up with group and one-to-one
sessions with a focus on replacing drug use with healthy activities
and positive beliefs.

The program was regarded so highly, it received provincial and
national media attention, as well as praise from politicians.

Now that the hype has died down, and the program is under review -
which is what the Phoenix Centre would do with any of its programs to
ensure they're continuing to meet the needs of clients - McDonald can
reflect on the program and the past year.

"I think there was an assumption something great was happening. We did
have good results, but maybe it was pumped up a little more than it
actually should have been."

Regardless, said McDonald, there were important connections made with
clients, and for those who didn't complete Meth Kickers, they know
where they can go when they're ready to make a change.

The counsellors at the Raven Program provide services to some 300
youth a year.

If anything, McDonald said, the Meth Kickers program was positive in
not only raising awareness about crystal meth, but about youth
substance abuse in general.

For those who are entrenched in their drug use, treatment is not a
matter of weeks or even months, said McDonald, but years.
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MAP posted-by: Derek