FUNDING TARGETS YOUNG ADDICTS

Against a backdrop of rising crystal-meth abuse and a desperate need
for residential treatment programs in Kamloops, the provincial
government announced a new approach to funding aimed at youth
addictions Thursday.

The $8 million had previously been committed for youth addictions and
crystal-meth treatment but will now be provided annually instead of as
one-time funding.

Of that amount, the Interior Health Authority gets
$1,261,421.

Its spending plans include the hiring of four chemical dependency
nurses or clinicians (one for the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap), 16
short-term residential treatment beds, a mobile treatment and support
program, the hiring of six more clinicians to do assessment and
treatment for mental health and addictions issues, six new outreach
workers and five positions for school-based programs and to enhance
drug-prevention education.

Ministry spokeswoman Sarah Plank said the funding was announced last
fall, but it's now annualized. Thursday's press package also outlined
how the health authorities are spending their money.

A representative from Mental Health and Addictions with the
Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap health service area did not return calls from
The Daily News.

However, Phoenix Centre executive director Jerry Nordoft said he
expects whoever is hired will probably be working with his non-profit
agency, as its Meth Kickers program is renowned for helping youth
hooked on crystal meth.

"We know in discussions we've had with IHA that it will be a
direct-service employee with Interior Health," he said.

He said there's a need for a residential program for crystal meth
addicts that lasts 30, 60 or perhaps even 90 days.

In Kamloops, he estimated an eight-to 12-bed residential program
would be worthwhile.

Bob Hughes, a substance misuse counsellor with the Phoenix Centre,
told the IHA board a couple of months ago it appeared that crystal
meth use was levelling off. Now he's changed his views.

"We've now found 48 per cent of clients coming in have used
methamphetamine," he said. "That's a huge increase. It's shifted from
12 per cent of our clientele to 48 per cent."

And more than 50 per cent of the centre's clients from youth probation
are using crystal meth, he added.

"What we need is a full range of treatment services, from outreach,
individual counselling to residential services available," said Hughes.

The only residential rehabilitation program within the Interior Health
Authority is in Williams Lake, where the privately owned Revisions
Program operates a day-treatment program and provides foster homes at
night. It's being changed into a mobile treatment program.

Hughes said the last Meth Kickers group to finish only saw one youth
get through to the end.

"Their life is still in total chaos where they're living," he said,
adding residential programs are needed.

"One of the big concerns that speaks to the need for the residential
model, is we had kids who couldn't turn the corner and stop using."

The only residential addictions program in Kamloops is at Kiwanis
House, but it is only for adults, he noted.

Provincial NDP Leader Carole James said she was pleased to see the
government is acting on the crystal meth problem in B.C. But she was
critical of the timing of the funding announcement, which she felt
came well after the problem has developed roots.

"They wait until there's a crisis before they act. Crystal meth is not
new. It's too little too late," she said. "I wish they'd do the right
thing without waiting for a crisis."