EDDAC MAKING STRIDES IN TOWN

There's Action Against The Crystal Meth Addiction In Edson And It's Having
Some Impact.

The Edson and District Drug Action Coalition (EDDAC) has been very busy in
the last few months, reported coordinator Sherry Froehlich to members of
the Edson Interagency Committee last Monday.

EDDAC has completed a three-year strategic plan and a budget. It's asking
for funding from Yellowhead County during a council meeting this week.

The coalition has three steering committees, one of which is the support,
transition and dialogue committee.

Members support addicts in recovery before their treatment. Some users in
recovery are researching programs such as Moms off Meth and Smart Recovery
to bring to Edson, said Froehlich.

They have also talked about the need for a treatment facility and a needle
exchange.

Fred Tyrrell of Alberta Community Development is coming to Edson to
facilitate a workshop so the committee can find out what are the specific
needs in town.

Edith Zuidhof-Knoop, supervisor for the Edson office of the Alberta Alcohol
and Drug Abuse Commission, explained the meth users in recovery are the
committee advisors and they bring "realness to the table".

"It helps identify needs. They will help us get the feedback we need," said
Zuidhof-Knoop.

EDDAC helped organize a successful From Hope to Healing conference where
over 60 people attended. As a result, the next steps committee is examining
what can be done to help family members affected by drug use.

There are two areas to focus on, a parent support group and helping people
who are coming out of treatment and who have burned bridges with their
loved ones, said Zuidhof-Knoop.

The committee is researching what programs are available in other
communities, she added.

The public awareness and education committee is tossing around the idea of
producing a video, said Froehlich.

She's also attempting to organize a restorative justice program, which
helps victims of non-violent crimes.

The victims sit with their offenders to come up with a resolution and
punishment for the crime.

"I'm going to be looking for community involvement. We have to sell it to
the judge and the prosecutor. It's not easy for the victim to sit with the
offender," said Froehlich.