CRACK PROBLEM OBVIOUS AT METHADONE CLINIC

A surge in crack cocaine addiction cases locally hasn't gone unnoticed by
staff at the Central Alberta Methadone Program.

"We do have a crack problem in Red Deer," said Bill Leslie, clinic social
worker. "Without a doubt, we're seeing more and more of it everyday."

The Red Deer office, which opened last November, treats opiate (heroin and
morphine) addiction through the use of methadone.

Nearly 300 clients have walked through the doors for help since.

Recently, police said a rash of break-ins throughout the city was linked to
addicts' hunt for cash.

Counselors in Edmonton and Calgary are also telling police that addicts on
the street in those cities say anyone wanting crack should come to Red Deer.

"A lot of people say 'you're substituting one drug for another', which we
are," said Leslie of the methadone treatments. "But you have to look at
harm reduction," he said.

The stranglehold of addiction can drive people to stealing and prostitution
to fund their habits.

"If we get them on methadone, they no longer have to live that lifestyle."

And with the growing crack problem, staff are treating those addictions as
well through counseling and anti-anxiety medications.

Within the last three months, about 30 crack cocaine addicts have sought
help through the program, he said.

Particularly pure forms of cocaine are almost instantly addictive.

"I knew we had a problem, but I didn't know to what extent."

The web of addiction often lures users into dabbling into all kinds of
drugs. With opiates working as a 'downer', users will sometimes turn to
cocaine as an 'upper'.

Running out of cocaine brings horrendous depression and paranoia.

"So they go hand in hand," said Leslie, adding that a high percentage of
addiction cases have suffered some kind of childhood trauma.

"They're attracted to the drugs to hide the pain and shame of whatever
transpired," he said.

"But we've seen remarkable success. Many of our clients are back to work,
back to school and back with their families. "It's a slow process. The
object in the end is abstinence."

Leslie said many crack addiction cases are referred to the program through
AADAC, social workers and family doctors.

He expects a similar program to begin shortly in Calgary.