PROGRAM TACKLES YOUTH DRUG ADDICTION

Maple Ridge is getting the help of a prestigious Californian institute
to help end the cycle of teen drug use.

A grant from the Fraser Health Authority to implement a new youth home
detox program will also incorporate the Matrix model, developed by the
Matrix Institute of Los Angeles.

"It's about time that we recognized that we hold the answers to most
of the questions we have been asking [about drugs]," said Marika
Sandrelli of the Maple Ridge Treatment Centre.

Community is one thing the Matrix model stresses, using an "it takes a
village" mentality.

The program will be administered through the Maple Ridge Treatment
Centre, a Fraser Health-run treatment facility for men.

Sandrelli, while working for the centre, has also become involved with
the community's Substance Misuse Task Force, which has pushed for
youth home detox.

She began researching approaches from around the world to address
youth addiction, and came across the Matrix, an approach designed by
alumni of the University of California, Los Angeles.

Sandrelli contacted the institute and explained that Maple Ridge would
like to use this model, also describing different approaches already
under way in the community.

Members of the Matrix Institute agreed to come to the community to
help.

"They've agreed to come up in September and train 30 people," she
said.

That marks only the second time the Matrix Institute has personally
come up to Canada to implement the program. The first was several
years ago in Saskatoon.

"It's a real testament to Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows," Sandrelli
said.

The community has come together to begin such initiatives as the
Crystal Meth Task Force, and there are several organizations in place
to help those with addictions problems.

Sandrelli said the important thing is that while most might think it's
up to the experts to deal with issues of drug use, the key is actually
what the community can do to help the individual, by listening,
engaging them in community programs, or even just offering a
comforting and supportive presence.

The youth becomes involved with the community in addition to
counselling, detox and medical intervention.

In short, treatment isn't rocket science, Sandrelli said. It's about
catering the treatment to the individual and their specific needs.

"You want to match the treatment to the youth and their
circumstances," she said.

The family of the youth is also encouraged to participate in the
rehabilitation.

"It's really frustrating for a parent ... it's really a struggle when
you've got a child that's addicted," Sandrelli said.

Motivation is also key.

The main aspects of the Matrix program include withdrawal management,
clinical counselling, peer education, family education and social
support, and the use of a coach or mentor chosen by the youth to guide
their integration back into the community.

That's done because the youth knows who they're most comfortable with,
who they trust.

"Sometimes some of the best therapy happens in a basketball game, with
a coach. Sometimes the best conversations happen in a smoke pit,"
Sandrelli said.

An advisory committee of community members and local professionals is
being drawn up, and the MRTC is currently recruiting staff for the
program. Staff will likely include a psychiatric liaison nurse, youth
counsellor, outreach worker and others.

The program should begin within the next few months.