CONSTANCE LAKE DEALING WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADDICTIONS

Addictions running rampant within First Nations community. "It affects
everyone, even those who don't use the drugs." -Linda Chum, Constance Lake

Timmins Times -- The community of Constance Lake First Nation is uniting
with various organizations to fight the abuse of prescription drugs, which
is quickly becoming an epidemic.

While the abuse of such drugs as Oxycodone, Oxycontin and percocet isn't a
new phenomenon, it is becoming a growing concern to the local council and
health care workers. Constance Lake First Nation drug and alcohol
counsellor Linda Chum, said addictions to these prescribed drugs is running
rampant in her community and is affecting everyone in the community.

"It affects everyone, even those who don't use the drugs," she said.

"We've seen a ripple effect of sorts in the community. As such, we want to
take a proactive approach to this problem. We've instituted a zero
tolerance policy in dealing with prescription drugs and dealers will be
facing legal enforcement if they're caught."

Officials of the First Nation are alarmed at the increasing supply of
prescription drugs coming into their community on a regular basis. Chum
said unfortunately, prescription drugs are relatively easy to come by, like
marijuana and cocaine.

Not only do they want to prevent this problem from escalating any further,
they are trying to prevent any deaths that could occur as a result.

The community of Timmins was shattered by the deaths of two teenagers a
year ago, who died from taking the drug Oxycontin.

Chief Arthur Moore said his organization is taking steps to educate the
public about the seriousness of the problem.

"What we want to do is deter, or educate members about the problems that
stem from the distribution of prescription drugs," Chief Moore said. "When
it comes to those who are addicted to these drugs, we don't want to address
this in a way that will seem offensive or aggressive. Instead, we want to
appeal to their conscience. We're calling it Special Operation Tough Love
in an effort to help those who are addicted.

"We want them to come forward on their own and admit they need help. This
way, they can become a part of the solution."

"An elder once said that silence is the enemy that destroys a community."
Chum added.

"Well, we're not going to keep silent. We're going to shout this from the
hilltops and get everyone that needs help the help they need. Furthermore,
dealers will be dealt with by the law. There's no where to go but forward."

Constance Lake is currently working with other First Nations that are
struggling with similar problems.

"Education will play a key role in our efforts of addressing this
situation," Chief Moore said.

"We can't just sit around and talk about it. We have to be clear with what
we're going to do about it.

"By doing that, hopefully other communities will take notice and deal with
the situation too."

To further aid their efforts, Constance Lake First Nation is looking into
setting up a centre where people can go to get the help they need to
overcome their addictions.

"We are discussing the idea of establishing a wellness centre," Chum said.

"Withdrawals are nasty, it's like getting off heroine. We do have people in
detox already, so the steps are there for this program."