WE ALL FACE ADDICTIONS

As a person who has worked in the youth addictions field for nearly 20
years, I am disturbed by the St. Vital community's resistance to the
establishment of a youth addiction stabilization unit on the grounds
of St. Amant.

The Winnipeg Free Press article of Jan. 31 cited the community's fears
that such a unit would result in "potential threats" to local
residents should the youth escape as well as "fears of drug dealers in
the neighbourhood." I am concerned these fears are based on a
misunderstanding of youth addiction issues and work only to perpetuate
the continued stigma surrounding this health concern.

The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba has been publishing research
outlining the trends within adolescent substance use for many years.
What these documents tell us is that within our typical mainstream
adolescent group, the majority of high school students are classified
as drinkers. Of those, 25 to 30 per cent are drinking beyond safe
guidelines, while another seven to 12 per cent show signs of alcohol
dependence. Statistics also show that by the time students graduate
from high school, close to 50 per cent have used drugs. Of these
students, approximately eight per cent showed signs of possible
cannabis dependence.

I have worked with adolescents from all walks of life, including
students who attend both private and public schools.

Youth substance abuse can impact any of us, regardless of our
socio-economic situation, gender or race. We are fortunate within our
province to be able to access a spectrum of services geared to help
children who are struggling with substance abuse concerns. It is
unfortunate, however, that because of stigma and prejudices, our
friends, neighbours and family members must continue to wait for a
community to approve the establishment of an alcohol and drug
stabilization unit for children in need of help.

Lori Middendorp

Winnipeg