WEST HAS MORE ADDICTION: STUDY

TORONTO (CNS) -- People who live in Western and Atlantic Canada are
more apt to have problems with alcohol and illicit drugs than their
counterparts in the Toronto-Quebec City corridor, a new study by the
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has found.

The study found on average, 11 per cent of Canadians have substance
and liquor problems.

But in the four western provinces and much of Atlantic Canada (P.E.I.
is an exception) all average out at 14 per cent and higher.

Rates in Quebec and Ontario were in the nine and 10 per cent range
respectively.

But the study added a rider: "Despite their overall low rates,
Toronto and Montreal contain areas of high prevalence. This may be
related to neighbourhood differences in deprivation and disorganization."