Pubdate: Sat, 5 Apr 2008
Source: Prince Albert Daily Herald (CN SN)
Copyright: 2008 Prince Albert Daily Herald
Contact:  http://www.paherald.sk.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1918
Author: Tara Campbell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

GRADS GET SECOND CHANCE

Drug Recovery Program Hailed As a Success

After years of battling with drug addiction, Marlene Masuskapoe is 
now living a life she is proud of.

"I had tried committing suicide for the third time and wanted to quit 
drugging," said Masuskapoe, a mother of four. "That's when I found 
this program."

The program is Skills Unlimited III, which is run by the Prince 
Albert Methadone Assisted Recovery Program.  It is designed to 
integrate drug addicts back into working society by giving them the 
support and tools necessary to succeed.

On Friday afternoon, a ceremony was held for the eight graduating 
students of the program, all of whom are now employed.

"We have eight people here who now have jobs," said Dr.  Leo Lanoie, 
medical health officer with the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region. 
"It's a huge success and we're hoping to get funding to continue."

The 24-week program focuses on teaching students how to deal with 
anger, time management and interpersonal skills. All the things that 
Masuskapoe said she took for granted before becoming addicted to 
drugs and ultimately losing custody of her children. "I feel so proud 
to be part of something again," said Mususkapoe, who is now working 
at Value Village and on track to get her children back. "I've learned 
a lot and I'm thinking clear ... I'm able to hold a job - something 
I've never done before."

Mayor Jim Scarrow, who was at the graduation ceremony, said programs 
such as this are vital to Prince Albert.

"Addiction, whether it be alcohol or drugs, is the number one issue 
in this city," said Scarrow. "I don't think anyone can appreciate how 
difficult it is to overcome addiction ... when you have eight people 
graduating from a program, it's obviously working." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake