CAN YOU TRULY `FORCE' REHAB?

Basic tenet of recovery is a sincere will to be healed

In principal, many in our society applaud the moves made by
legislators that at least attempt to deal with the growing problem of
violent youth crime. The perception, and this is based at least
partially on accurate data, is that drugs and alcohol are a major
contributor to violent youth crime, whether that means crimes are
committed to support a habit or are committed while under the
influence of either.

It is not surprising then that a recently-introduced private member's
bill that would force child addicts into treatment has received
cautious approval from the majority of Albertans who feel somewhat
victimized and vulnerable to a growing problem in our society.

Many see this as a valuable step in battling the problems that act as
a foundation for many of our social ills.

But will it work?

Critics, both legal and medical have expressed doubts.

Alberta's Attorney General Ron Stevens said there are serious legal
issues with Bill 202, the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act.

Tory legislative member Mary-Anne Jablonski brought forward the bill,
which would allow parents of drug-addicted youths to commit their kids
to mandatory treatment.

The bill has two of the four approvals it needs from the
legislature.

But even if it passes stage four, there is doubt it can be workable in
the current form.

Jablonski hoped Stevens would assign Justice Department staff to help
fix the bill so it could survive a court challenge. That won't happen,
said Stevens.

Roadblock number one seems firmly in place.

The second major concern is there is serious doubt a person who does
not want to be rehabbed, can be. That is why so many accepted step
programs start with the basic philosophy that a person must want to
heal =AD change their ways and kick a habit.

By admitting helplessness against the disease, a person opens
themselves to the possibility of being cured.

Without this, it seems unlikely any rehab can be successful.

Short of solitary confinement, a person, young or otherwise, will use
if they choose.

The law appeals to parents who feel helpless to stop their children
from sliding down the slippery slope, but some experts feel this
measure, like others teens tend to rebel against, does not address the
real outstanding issues that lead kids to use and abuse in the first
place.

In other words, you cannot legislate strong parenting, troubleshooting
and/or support during formative years. Supporting families and
investing in young families and early childhood education is the
longstanding answer to this problem, not another law that is not
enforceable.

Provide incentive for youths who want to get better and parents who
co-operate to make the overall healing process a success.