GETTING HELP FOR A DRUG ADDICTION

Amherstburg Echo -- The following column is a regular submission by
the Community Information Centre. They welcome your questions at their
White Woods Mall office, located at 400 Sandwich St. S. in
Amherstburg. Their phone number is 736-5471. You can also reach them
on their web site at www.amherstburg-cs.com.

QUESTION: A friend of mine has a problem with drug addiction. I would
like to help her but don't know where to go. Can you help?

ANSWER: Yes we can. There are many programs out there to help someone
in need. The Windsor Addiction Assessment & Outpatient Services comes
to mind as a good resource for your friend. She must be willing to
undergo an addiction assessment for the purpose of determining if, and
what type of addictions treatment is needed.

Following the assessment, recommendations are made for addiction
treatment as appropriate.

The Windsor Addiction Assessment & Outpatient Services are located at
the Windsor Regional Hospital, Western Campus at 1453 Prince Road,
Windsor. Entrance is of Connaught Street. Call (519) 257-5220 for more
information.

QUESTION: What happens after the assessment?

ANSWER: Depending on the outcome of the assessment, the Withdrawal
Management Centre, located at the same address above, would be the
next step. The centre is a 20 bed, non-medical facility where men and
women can recover from the effects of alcohol and/or drug withdrawal,
or await entry into an addictions treatment program.

Any individual 16 years of age or older who wishes to recover will be
considered for admission. There is no cost for clients as the Ministry
of Health funds the program.

Clients usually remain at the centre for 3-4 days, and a comfortable,
relaxed home-like atmosphere is provided. Toothbrushes, combs and
other toiletries as well as laundry facilities are available at the
centre.