SUBSTANCE ABUSE SEEN AS GROWING PROBLEM

Local residents see substance abuse as a growing problem, a community
survey by Lambton OPP has found.

The 21-page report ranked substance abuse as a more serious problem
now than previous surveys in 2001 and 2003.

Hundreds of respondents rated drug abuse as the most serious issue
facing community security. Alcohol abuse was second, followed by
property crime and nuisance activities.

"Our numbers indicate there is a problem," said Lambton OPP Const.
John Reurink.

So far this year, Lambton OPP officers have charged 81 drivers with
impaired driving. Last year at this time, there were 86 charges, while
in 2005 it was 52.

"From our perspective (Lambton) has a substance abuse problem, not
only with alcohol but illicit drugs as well," Reurink said.

Mike Hannon, an addictions counsellor at the Westover Treatment Centre
in Thamesville, said the facility deals with its share of addicts from
the Lambton area.

"Addiction is not about a kid sitting in the corner sticking a needle
is his arm . . . Every time your wallet is stolen or your car stereo
gets ripped off, you've likely been victimized by an addict." It's
estimated as many as 85 per cent of crimes police investigate are
linked to drugs or alcohol.

"It's a big problem in Sarnia," Hannon said.

Still, most people don't realize the scope of the problem until it
hits close to home, he said.

"For most, if they don't see it, it doesn't exist," he
said.

Survey respondents generally saw violent crime and youth issues as
more of a problem now than in 2001. However, those polled were more
satisfied with the OPP.