ADDICTIVE, CHEAP, EASY TO FIND

Drug and alcohol counsellors in Salmon Arm are more than familiar with
cocaine addiction.

"About 50 per cent of the people who access our alcohol and drug
counsellors are presenting with cocaine as one of the drugs they're
using," says Pat Townsley, manager of alcohol and drug services for
the Okanagan Health Services Area.

She explains that people who are addicted to cocaine will often abuse
other substances as well.

"Generally, cocaine is a drug with very high highs and very low lows.
To avoid the low, people will often take other substances."

She said it's difficult to estimate numbers of addicts, but notes that
there are two counsellors in Salmon Arm who are busy all the time -
and at least half their clients are addicted to cocaine.

Asked if there's a "typical" addict, she says no. Men are almost twice
as likely to become addicted but, otherwise, cocaine can victimize
anyone.

"It's not particular to age - a lot of what drives the drug's
popularity is its cost and accessibility," she says. "It is stupidly
easy to get drugs. Ten to 15 years ago, a gram of cocaine was $200.
Today, it's $40 or $50."

Is it possible to quit successfully? Yes, she says.

"You can expect to feel anxiety and to feel depressed, but it won't
last - it will go away. Cocaine is definitely a drug that has strong
cravings associated with it. Knowing that they're cravings and knowing
they will pass is important."

She said a Narcotics Anonymous group operates in Salmon Arm. More
information is available through the drug and alcohol office at 833-4100.

A 28-day, 36-bed treatment centre and detox program is available in
Kelowna, but with a wait list. Those most in need receive priority on
wait lists.

Rick Honcharsky, a local pastor with the Salvation Army, says he sees
people come to the food bank who he knows are using but, generally,
it's a hidden segment of the population.

"We know it goes on but it's hard to find out to what
extent."

Staff Sgt. Dave Williams with Salmon Arm RCMP said police aren't
seeing many charges of cocaine possession, but have seen a "fair
amount" of evidence that it's around.

"There are some searches and investigations where there's evidence
cocaine is being used."