DETOX CENTRES TO SEE MORE SPACES

EDMONTON - More spaces are now available for Albertans fighting drug addiction.

The provincial government announced Wednesday that it will spend $4.2
million dollars in its 2005-2006 budget to add 24 beds, split evenly
between Edmonton and Calgary, for detoxification and assessment purposes.
The usual stay in a detoxification unit is about five days. Eight of the
beds will be reserved for drug addicted children.

The announcement should come as welcome news to Tory Red Deer MLA Mary Anne
Jablonski, whose private member's bill would enable parents to compel their
drug-abusing children into such units. Jablonski and organizations that
deal with teen addicts have been asking the province to increase the number
of beds in such facilities, particularly for teens.

The additions will bring the total number of spaces available to 588.