TRURO TO HOST DRUG ADDICTION PROGRAM

Counselling, Support, Treatment Will Be Available For About 30
People

Addiction Services has announced a new methadone maintenance program
for people with drug addictions in northern Nova Scotia.

Based at Covington Place on Willow Street in Truro, the opiate
treatment program is available to people in the areas served by the
Colchester-East Hants, Cumberland and Pictou County health
authorities. The program has room for 30 people with harmful
addictions to such drugs as morphine, codeine, OxyContin and Dilaudid.

Methadone maintenance has proven to be a good approach to treating
people with opiate addictions, program manager Irene Gunn said in a
news release on Friday.

It's combined with counselling and support to help people put their
lives back together, she said.

"Methadone saves lives," Gunn said.

Until now, clients had to travel to Halifax, Dartmouth or Wolfville
for treatment.

That was unrealistic for many people in northern Nova Scotia because
daily contact is necessary once treatment begins and the maintenance
program has to be continuous and long-term, Ms. Gunn said.

Indian Brook resident Joanne Robinson said her son wouldn't have
survived without the Wolfville program.

The program was a major turning point in her son's life and was there
when he reached out, she said, adding that she was proud of his
determination.

Robinson joined with other individuals, groups and communities in the
region to help establish the new program.

Addressing opiate addiction helps families, reduces crime and social
problems and decreases the spread of diseases like hepatitis C, Ms.
Gunn said.

Those wishing to enter the program may call 902-893-4776 to refer
themselves. Each client will undergo complete assessments to identify
their individual needs.