ADDICTION TREATMENT SOUGHT MORE IN ALBERTA: STUDY

Albertans show almost twice the national rate of reporting addiction
problems and substance abuse issues, says a recent report.

"We are seeing a very unusual trend here, and it is likely linked with
Alberta's sudden growth," said Rod Phillips, president and CEO of
Shepell-fgi, a Toronto-based group specializing in health and wellness
solutions in the workplace.

"We are seeing a number of people coming to this province for great
jobs and great opportunities -- but at the same time they are under a
lot of stress and don't have their normal support systems available."

Shepell-fgi Research Group found Albertans accessed Employee
Assistance Programs for help with addiction problems at a rate of 2%
for alcohol abuse.

That's almost twice the national rate of 1.2%.

Addiction problems with illicit drugs were also much higher than the
national average at 1.4% as compared to a national average of 0.9%

Phillips said this isn't necessarily all bad news.

"People are seeking treatment either for themselves or family members
- -- they are reaching out to get the help they need and that is a very
positive sign," he said.

Shepell-fgi's research also shows more young men are seeking
help.

Specifically, men under 30 are 7% more likely to seek help than in the
rest of Canada.

Overall, men in Alberta are 10% more likely to seek help than in other
parts of the country.

"We're also seeing that a quarter of those seeking help from their
Employee Assistance provider have been with their company for less
than a year," said Paula Allen, Shepell-fgi's vice president of health
solutions and research.

"This really shows that provinces like Alberta are unique -- and their
health issues must be addressed at a regional level."

The study is part of a larger report from Shepell-fgi that looks at
the health of employees region by region.

The full report will be released nation-wide June 27.

Meanwhile, AADAC officials say they saw an 11% hike in demand for
their treatment services in 2006.

That breaks down to 35,000 people, said Melissa Lovatt, communications
consultant with AADAC.

Still, she said it's important to remember that the Shepell-fgi's
report is in direct response to employees assessing programs for help.

Provinces may have different workplace programs available, so it's
tough to compare the rates of addiction across provinces on a strictly
even basis, she said.