MORE BEDS NEEDED - AADAC

The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission says it wants to see
more detox and residential beds opened to treat young Albertans
addicted to drugs like methamphetamine. "Our parents and our community
are telling us there is a need for more services," said Marilyn
Mitchell, AADAC's manager of youth services.

Among other things, that means more beds need to be opened up in
residential programs, Mitchell said. "And AADAC recognizes the need
and has brought forward that need in our business plan.

"We want to enhance our range of services by adding that piece of
service in the area of detox and residential. It's filling the gap in
our current service deliveries for youth."

A project to force Alberta youths hooked on methamphetamine into
treatment is now under consideration, according to Alberta Solicitor
General Heather Forsyth.

The commission is operating a pilot-project treatment program where 10
kids receive nine to 12 months of intensive treatment in a residential
facility. Not every child in the project is addicted to meth.

Health Minister Gary Mar said Tuesday there are no plans to expand
treatment options.

"All the minister was trying to say is that's a decision that AADAC
will make based on how they allocate resources," said Alberta Health
spokesman David Dear.

Dear said AADAC received a "slightly better than 10%" increase to
their budget, which he put at nearly $66 million.

"It's up to them how they allocate that."

Amphetamines including meth, speed, bennies and ecstasy were
identified by 5.5% of youth surveyed in 2002 as drugs they'd tried in
the past 12 months.

LSD was identified by 3.9%. Cocaine was named by 2.9%, crack by 2.8%,
marijuana by 27.6% and alcohol by 56.3%.

Authorities claim that 40% of those who inject, snort or smoke meth
become immediately addicted.

It can also be taken in pills or suppositories.