TREAT THE ADDICT LIKE AN INDIVIDUAL, EXPERT TELLS IHA

Treating crystal meth addiction means tailoring programs to meet
individual needs, according to an addictions specialist speaking at
an Interior Health Authority conference Thursday.

"Addiction is very emotionally and politically charged," said Dr. Ian
Martin, a Vancouver family doctor who specializes in addictions treatment.

"There are those who will only preach abstinence and then there are
those who believe all forms of drug should be legalized. But
treatment needs to be individualized," he said, adding: "The ultimate
goal of any harm reduction is probably abstinence. But a strict
abstinence-based program will often steer people away."

Martin is among the last to speak at the two-day conference on youth
mental health and addictions, telling health professionals about the
history and unique properties of crystal methamphetamine.

"Basically, I provide a general overview of what crystal meth is and
what sort of effect it has on the body," said Martin, adding that
amphetamines were first produced in the 1880s.

Used for a variety of medical purposes, such as treating asthma or
depression, widespread use within the medical community tapered off
in the 1960s due to side effects like psychosis and addiction.

The crystal methamphetamine used today is considerably more potent
and is devastating the gay community and street-involved youth in
Vancouver, he said.

Martin will describe the matrix model of treatment to the health
officials involved.

The treatment is the latest strategy for dealing with the drug, and
involves using several methods of curbing behaviour including
cognitive behavioural therapy which deals with how a patient's
thought processes affect his/her actions, aspects of 12-step programs
and contingency management therapy, which provides rewards for good behaviours.

A recent forum in Kelowna on crystal meth drew widespread attention.
Organized by the Living Positive Resource Centre, city and non-profit
officials asked representatives from other communities to share their
experiences trying to curb its affects.

Members of the community were not invited to Dr. Martin's talk,
including the Living Positive representatives currently trying to set
up a task force in the wake of the crystal meth forum. Chairpersons
for committees stemming from that effort are being finalized this
week and information packages will be sent to those who volunteered
to participate in the process.

"It's interesting who we've found that want to get involved," said
Daryle Roberts, Living Positive director. "There's quite a few high
profile people."

Although Roberts could not confirm who will chair the crystal meth
task force, names are expected to be released next week.

An application to the Union of B.C. Municipalities for a $10,000
funding grant for the task force should also be filed soon, the
resource centre is just waiting for a letter from the regional
district backing the effort.