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." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake