SMOKING BYLAWS DRIVE CRYSTAL METH-ADDICTED TEENS OUT OF VICTORIA REHAB FACILITY

(CNS) Quitting crystal meth or other street drugs is tough enough, but
simultaneously giving up smoking is too much for some Vancouver Island teens.

A no-smoking rule imposed by the Vancouver Island Health Authority at a
youth detox centre has apparently turned recovering drug addicts away. The
five detox beds were full until smoking was forbidden three months ago,
said Pat Griffin of the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society, which runs the
centre.

Some are leaving before completing the program, and many cite the smoking
policy as a reason. Officials say the centre has to enforce laws
prohibiting the sale of tobacco to people under 18. Allowing smoking in the
residence also breaks local clean-air bylaws.