B.C. ADDICTS SHUT OUT

Increasing Demand At GP Detox Centre Creates Space Problem

Beds in Grande Prairie's drug and alcohol detox centre are at a premium,
and addicts on the other side of the border are suffering because of it.

Occupancy in the 20-bed detox unit of AADAC's Northern Addictions Centre is
averaging nearly 95 per cent, said manager Kathy Landry.

"We have had a significant demand for that service, which is causing us to
put people on a wait list," said Landry.

The first few months of the new year, she added, are typically the busiest
in detox.

In the past, addicts from nearby B.C. communities such as Dawson Creek were
given free treatment at the centre, the same as Albertans.

But with space at a premium, out-of-province patients are being turned away
at an increasing rate in favour of local clients.

"Our system of care has relied on Grande Prairie for detox for a long
time," said Brent Neumann, manager of counselling services in Dawson Creek.
"Up until a few months ago we enjoyed a good relationship with them."

About 200 people from Dawson Creek seek detox help each year.

Since January, said Neumann, no Dawson Creek patients have been accepted at
the Grande Prairie centre.

Those turned away are put on a wait list for service, he added, but are at
a high risk to relapse before they get treatment.

"You end up losing that window of opportunity to get them cleaned up."

Dawson Creek and District Hospital offers some services, but generally only
after someone has been admitted for something else.

The next closest detox is Prince George, which means a six-hour bus ride
for clients who are, in many cases, suffering through withdrawal symptoms.

Neumann said staff at the centre told him a change in policy was the reason
Dawson Creek clients were being turned away.

But Landry said although detox welcomes B.C. clients when space is
available, the policy has always been to put a priority on treating Albertans.

"Because we are funded by Alberta Health and Wellness, we have a priority
to provide the service to Albertans first," she said.

"I can certainly sympathize with (Dawson Creek). Whenever you have a need
and it's not being met it is a difficult struggle."

Neumann said he has a meeting scheduled with representatives from the
Northern Addictions Centre next week. The possibility of paying for B.C.
customers to come to Grande Prairie could be on the table.

"We could certainly talk about that," he said.