PARENTS APPLY TO HAVE DRUG-ADDICTED TEENS FORCED INTO TREATMENT

New Alberta Law

A new program in Alberta that plucks youth from the wayward path of
drug abuse has already been ordered for 10 individuals in less than two weeks.

The Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act took effect on July 1.
Under the legislation, parents with a minor involved in damaging drug
use can apply for a provincial court order to put them --
involuntarily -- in a protective safe house and detoxification
program for five days. If the parents cannot bring the child in
themselves, the RCMP or police will.

"It is the most intense form of intervention," said Darlene Gartner,
senior manager of the program for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Commission.

Since its inception, 10 court orders have been approved by provincial
judges. Seven individuals are in the program, two have completed
their stint and one is still outstanding. Three applications are
pending and waiting to be heard.

While in the five-day program, the youth undergo detox services and
are counselled -- with their parents -- on future treatment options.

The legislation was passed as a private member's bill in May, 2005.

Audrey Bjornstad broke down and cried that day in the legislature.
Ms. Bjornstad is a co-founder of Parents Empowering Parents, a group
that was instrumental in having the act drafted and passed.

The Sherwood Park physical therapist was inspired to seek change
after feeling helpless dealing with her own child's drug addiction.
Her son Tyler, now 19, became involved with crystal methamphetamine
when he was 16. At one point he disappeared for three days and only
turned up when he was arrested in a local meth house.

The downward spiral continued. "He was living on the streets and we
couldn't do anything about it," Ms. Bjornstad said. "We couldn't
apprehend him. It was against his rights to force him to come home.
There was no way we could secure him against his will."

As the numbers show already, it's a problem that affects many.

"Addicts aren't straight-thinking people," she said. "You can't get
them to voluntarily take themselves off the street and out of the
world and away from the drugs. It doesn't happen."

Without being able to force her son into treatment, she struggled to
find a solution in time.

"The demise is so quick, especially with meth. They can die in a very
short time," she said. "We knew we were fighting the clock."

It wasn't until Tyler -- who Ms. Bjornstad described as being
soft-spoken, loving and athletic before his addiction -- became
criminally involved that they could act. More than eight months of
treatment were followed by years of trying to prevent a relapse,
which did occur.

Although she is extremely pleased the legislation was passed, Ms.
Bjornstad said the five-day period must be extended. "We know that's
not even close to what we need ... five days is just a drop in the bucket."

But for now she is pleased that steps have been made and other
children are receiving help.