MRTC DOESN'T TOLERATE DRUGS

Editor:

Our program at Maple Ridge Treatment Centre is designed to address
the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual needs of
each person who enters treatment; people can best adopt new values
and change entrenched behavioural patterns in an environment that
provides support, empowers individuals and fosters trust.

For your readers who may have missed them, I'd like to share some
comments sent to local papers this September, copied to us, by past
clients and their families describing their positive experiences with MRTC.

"My son has attended five treatment centres in the past, and
was...thrown out on the street for using or being suspected of using.
All five times, he went underground, hated himself, and
systematically went out to hurt himself from the shame...most of
society places on addicts. For my son, all five treatment attempts
ended up with him in emergency - twice close to death. The MRTC
welcomed my son with open arms, treated him with respect, held him
accountable, worked with him - and didn't give up. He has slipped
there, and MRTC clinicians increased support instead of withdrawing
it. On Sunday Sept. 17, he will celebrate 30 days without drugs and
alcohol - the longest he has experienced (P. MacDonald)."

"I can also say with absolute certainty that MRTC does not 'tolerate'
drug use. They do everything they can to discourage it, and I have
witnessed several men discharged for use during my stay... their
decision to discharge a client is made on a case-by-case basis. To
me, that shows a lot more caring than does a policy of zero tolerance
(M. Stainton)."

Community understanding and support is one component of individuals'
success in gaining and maintaining a clean and sober lifestyle. Thank
you for this opportunity to increase awareness of the MRTC's programs.

Keith Anderson

President and Chief Executive Officer (interim)

Fraser Health