GETTING CLEAN JUST THE FIRST STEP TO RECOVERY

Withdrawing from substance abuse is just one part of the journey to
wellness, says Michelle Dartnall, manager of youth and family
addiction services for the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

Which is why followup is critical, and why services to youth and
families have increased in recent years and are now available in
almost every Island community.

There are six detox beds in Victoria, two in Nanaimo and 18 elsewhere
on the Island, for supported residential care (rehab) or detox. Most
care is in group homes or individual family homes, and in Victoria
it's provided through the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society and Boys
and Girls Club.

Young people stay seven to 10 days in detox and afterward the goal is
"comprehensive supported recovery," which could mean returning home
with outpatient counselling and treatment, or continued support in a
group home.

Last year 186 young people ( 13 to 18 years old) were admitted to
detox here, and another 1,100 used other support services. Dartnall
said the response time is good.

"We can usually admit youth within 48 to 72 hours, sometimes faster,"
and the cost is covered by the health authority.

"We have a tremendous group of passionate, committed professionals
working with families and are supporting youth as early as possible
in recovery and prevention.

"We do have youth who continue to struggle, to have slips and lapses,
but if we can catch them early, help them as they mature, and support
them in making better decisions, we see positive outcomes.

"Left untreated, the consequences are very challenging and confused."

For help with addictions, Dartnell suggests parents or young people call:

Discovery Youth and Family Addictions Services 250-721-2669

Youth Empowerment Society 250-383-3514

Boys and Girls Club of Victoria, ask for Turnabout 250-384-9133