RECOVERING ADDICTS PROGRAM OPENS TUESDAY

Richmond's first treatment program for recovering alcohol and drug addicts
will open on Tuesday at Richmond Alcohol and Drug Action Team's offices.

Called DAYTOX, clients will visit the facilities for counselling, education
on relapse prevention, emotional management, acupuncture, as well as
referral to other alcohol and drug treatment programs.

"I think that'd be a positive addition to our community," Richmond Mayor
Malcolm Brodie said Friday.

The service will be available to all people who live or work in Richmond,
and is free. Clients can be referred by a family doctor, medical clinic,
counsellor, social worker, probation officer, or they can refer themselves.

DAYTOX was designed to help people with a history of severe withdrawal
symptoms. The professional team consists of a nurse, acupuncturist and drug
and alcohol counsellors who work with the individual and his or her doctor
to support and stabilize them during the withdrawal and recovery process.

The program will be located at RADAT's offices at 5720 Minoru Blvd., and
will not have a housing component.

Although a small group of residents protested the presence of a recovery
home for recovering addicts in the Odlin neighbourhood in 1999, Brodie said
he doesn't expect any opponents to this new program, since it is in a
commercial area.