LOCAL AADAC OFFICES OFFERING HELP WITH ADDICTIONS

A local addictions counsellor wants to blow the lid off what seems to be
one of the tri-municipal area's best-kept secrets.

The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, better known as AADAC, has
satellite offices in both Stony Plain and Spruce Grove. Though they've been
in operation since November 2001, not everyone knows of their existence,
says Randy Crick.

The offices are located in two inconspicuous settings. The main office is
in the Stony Plain Provincial Building. A smaller one is found on the upper
floor of the Lion's Log Cabin in Spruce Grove, in conjunction with Spruce
Grove Family and Community Support Services' teen sexual health education
office.

Crick runs both AADAC offices. As an addictions counsellor, he wants
residents to know that help is available and it's only one call away.

"My job is to assist the community in areas of addiction -- meaning drugs,
alcohol, gambling, and tobacco -- to assist them with preventative
treatment and referrals," he said.

"We assist in major life areas. In other words, we look at how additions
affect lives."

There are currently about 50 tri-municipal teens and adults enrolled in
either individual addictions counselling or in support groups. However,
many residents still don't know they can seek help in their very own
community, he said.

"The reason for AADAC out here is to be more accessible."

Crick runs two group counselling sessions in the tri-municipal area: an
adult counselling group and a discussion group at Memorial Composite high
school outreach. A teen addictions group is in the works.

"I think groups are highly effective ways for assisting people with
recovery issues," Crick said.

Of the addictions in the area, alcohol still accounts for the highest
number of clients. Among teens, however, crystal meth, crack cocaine, and
marijuana top the list.

These addictions are not unusual and are not specific to the area. "There
are problems in all communities," he said.

Help with addictions can be reached by calling Crick at 968-6466.