POST-DETOX NUMBERS HOLD PROMISE

The typical client seeking post-detox help in a Chillliwack facility
last summer was a 35-year-old male trying to kick a crack or cocaine
habit.

Out of the 30 individuals who came through the doors of Chilliwack
Chemical Addiction Management Project (CCAMP) House, at least 10 are
now in long-term treatment programs.

A total of eight CCAMP House clients relapsed, while 24 said they were
'polyaddicted,' meaning they're hooked on multiple substances. A few
were asked to leave for failing to adhere to a zero-tolerance policy
and the whereabouts of nine are unknown.

These are some of the latest statistics coming out of CCAMP House,
which opened in August. CCAMP House is a 'post-detox' project in
Chilliwack offering services to chemically drug-addicted clients after
medical detoxification, and before entering long-term addiction
treatment programs.

"They stay as long as it takes before we can get them into long-term
treatment," says CCAMP House board chair Sam Mohan.

Thirteen clients were First Nations, two were women, and 13 had a
concurrent mental illness. Only two said heroin was their main drug of
choice, while for 19 others it was cocaine/crack.

The clientele ranged in age from 19 to 57, with an average age of 35.
The clients received group counselling, as well as one-on-one sessions
on the road to recovery at CCAMP House.

"The numbers from the first phase mean that there are 10 people who
likely won't OD, won't do crime, and who hopefully will become
successful citizens," Ms. Mohan says. "Getting clean is a big
commitment and the process is a long one. It's not a quick fix by any
stretch."

There's still "a serious need for medical detox beds" in Chilliwack,
she says, adding she's looking forward to the opening of 10 medical
detox beds in town later this year.

RCMP Const. Leanne Seguin says from a police perspective, the initial
CCAMP House statistics are very positive.

"For those 10 who've gone on to more treatment, it means the
possibility of getting away from the revolving door of crime,
victimizing others, and coming into contact with police. So that's
huge," she explains. "Even if it's one person, it's huge. The fact
that 10 people who've started long-term treatment is an incredible
start for CCAMP house."

Those 10 successful clients have moved on to the next crucial step in
the process, says Ms. Mohan.

"Now they're heading into phase two of treatment, which could take up
to nine months depending on individual needs for long-term healing."
After being released from long-term treatment facilities, they'll be
able to return to CCAMP House briefly to be hooked up with a
buddy/mentor for the next phase. Phase three could consist of a
commitment of up to a year, for both buddy and client. The plan for
phase three is something that Ms. Mohan says "has never been done
anywhere else" that she's aware of.

"This phase is crucial for the long-term success of any individual who
wants to stay clean. After long-term treatment, they're usually sent
back into the community, typically without a followup from the
treatment facility from which they came. But if they don't change any
of their behaviours, many end up relapsing and re-entering the world
of addiction."

The role of a 'buddy' in phase three is to walk clients through the
various aspects of their continuum of care, which may include going
back to school, getting a job, volunteering, finding a family doctor,
or joining a local AA group, she says.

"A buddy is a mentor, a sponsor, a role model. It's someone who will
be there in the weak moments, or just helping with basic life skills
they may never have received," says Ms. Mohan.

Const. Seguin says she sees the strong potential for the future of the
program, while admitting it's always a struggle for police officers
who deal with addicted citizens on a daily basis.

"Just knowing we have a resource like CCAMP House in Chilliwack makes
a big difference," says the police officer. "We can plant seeds about
long-term recovery with those who end up in custody, to help them
change their life or lifestyle. Often they just don't know how." She
says at least two of the 10 people in long-term treatment have entered
the work force already.

"If it wasn't for CCAMP House, we wouldn't be recording those stats,"
Const. Seguin adds. "It's a great resource. Once the community
realizes what a major impact this is going to have on the future of
Chilliwack, it's going to mean a safer community."

The role of drug addiction in crime is something officers have to take
into consideration.

"This will educate police as well. These people are addicted and it's
something that we have to take into consideration when they commit
these crimes. It's almost an evil force driving them. So CCAMP House
will have a positive effect since a large part of crime is
drug-related."

A good candidate for to become a buddy for CCAMP House would be a
drug-free volunteer, with a vehicle and driver's licence.

"Basically we're looking for volunteers who can be good role models,"
she says.