PLANNED TREATMENT CENTRE TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

I'd like to respond to Vancouver MLA Lorne Mayencourt's idea of
turning a former army barracks near Prince George into a
privately-funded "New Hope" community for drug addicts and alcoholics.

My son has been trying to get into rehabilitation for
months.

He is an alcoholic, suffers from a diagnosed bipolar disorder and is
on medication. To date, he has not been able to secure a bed in the
Phoenix House in Surrey.

I have been told by Phoenix House that it takes between two weeks and
two months to be admitted or to secure a bed. My son called every day
for two months and has never heard back.

He is self-admitting. He needs help desperately to overcome his
addiction. This New Hope centre sounds too good to be true.

Vancouver's drug policy co-ordinator Donald MacPherson called the
centre a compelling idea, adding that it is not for everyone. I don't
understand what he meant by that. What other "array of options" is
available for drug addicts?

My son wants to go to school to learn a trade, but his addiction
stands in his way.

Debbie Thomas,

Surrey