CRACK USE AMONG YOUTHS GROWING

More Local Schools Requesting AADAC Program Services

Drugs are overtaking alcohol as the preferred "high" road for southern
Alberta youths and addictions experts in Lethbridge and area are
dealing with a growing number of young people.

"Alcohol was always the No. 1 drug of choice," said Susan Canning,
Lethbridge-based area supervisor for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Commission.

But alcohol is giving way to drugs among youth, with crack cocaine
leading the charge.

Canning said southern Alberta AADAC offices are not seeing large
numbers of youths hooked on crystal meth, the latest potent drug, but
"crack cocaine is increasing."

The Lethbridge office handled 325 adolescents in 2003-04 and the
numbers have been climbing, said south district manager Eldon Coward.

"There's certainly been a dramatic increase in recent years in
numbers," Coward said.

It's not certain whether that's because there are more youths with
addictions or just more seeking treatment. But Canning thinks one
indication of increased drug or alcohol problems among adolescents is
the fact more area schools are requesting AADAC program services.

Canning and Coward aren't sure how effective forced drug treatment, as
proposed by a provincial private member's bill, would be for young
addicts.

"AADAC has never offered compulsory treatment. We don't have any
experience in that," said Coward. "Our mandate doesn't even allow us
to confine people for treatment. Our programs are voluntary."

Red Deer MLA Mary Anne Jablonski's proposed bill, Bill 202, would
allow parents to obtain compulsory treatment for their drug-addicted
children.

Jablonski said there are still details to be worked out such as "how
you know when a child is in need of treatment."

Another key issue is funding to provide sufficient treatment
facilities.

"We have some good facilities in Edmonton and Calgary but we don't
have enough, so funding is the next problem we need to tackle," she
said.

Jablonski expects the bill to be introduced to the legislature in
March.

Canning said AADAC programs have shown a good success rate with
addicted youths and one of the keys is support from family and the
community.

"We find, in working with youth, the more family members or community
supports we can engage in the process, the greater the chance for
success," she said.

AADAC has also begun using youths who have gone through the recovery
program to mentor to others. This proves effective because youths in
treatment feel more comfortable dealing with their peers.

Originally, said Canning, the treatment program involved a three-month
commitment but "youths have a hard time committing to a three-month
program."

Now youths are only asked to commit to three weeks, with the option of
continuing in treatment after that time. Canning said most opt to
remain in the program.