FHA STUDY TO DELVE INTO THE WORLD OF ADDICTED YOUTH TO IMPROVE
TREATMENT

What kinds of drugs are teen addicts using? Are they on the street or
living at home? When did they first try their drug of choice?

These and other secrets of drug and alcohol addiction in youth ages 12
to 18 will be explored in a new Fraser Health Authority (FHA) study.

Alcohol and drug abuse among youth is a growing concern - particularly
crystal meth, a toxic drug popular with street youth, young women and
frequenters of clubs and raves.

The first of its kind in the FHA, the study will follow the treatment
of up to 300 addicted youth from the time they first see an intake
worker, through their treatment either at home or in a residential
program. The study will continue until March 31, 2005, with the goal
of following as many youth as are willing to participate in the
voluntary study, said FHA addictions expert Sherry Mumford. The
information gleaned from the study will be invaluable in developing
youth addictions programs, Mumford said.

"We always throw money in to try to build it [the program] up but
we've never done it on a real solid and evidence-based foundation. You
throw more money in and you put more beds in - but is that what you
really need?" For example, there is an intensive day treatment program
in New Westminster but none in either the Fraser South or Fraser East
areas. These are less costly programs that don't require beds or
24-hour care. But officials don't know if that model would work in
other areas because it hasn't been done, Mumford said.