YOUNG ALCOHOLICS, ADDICTS PUT AT RISK - POLICE SHARE CONCERN AT LACK
OF DETOXIFICATION SERVICES

By Joanna Norris Children as young as 12 with alcohol and drug
problems are at risk from dangers such as sexual predators and
violence as a lack of detoxification services in Otago hampers their
care, police and health professionals say.

There are big gaps in youth detox and alcohol and drug services in
Otago, according to the Otago District Health Board child and youth
consultative subcommittee papers released last month.

It is a view shared by the police, who witness the dangers of a lack
of facilities, particularly residential detox care, said Dunedin
Youth Aid head Sergeant Kevin Davidson.

"It's not only a problem of young people offending, but youth
protection. A lot of young people need to be in some sort of
institution to take them out of the negative environment they are
in," he said.

He said the safety of young people, especially girls, was often
compromised if they had a drink or drugs problem.

"We see young girls getting into situations they have no control
over. Sexual predators will use drugs and alcohol as a means to
contact their victims."

The police dealt with under-12s with alcohol problems, who were often
getting alcohol at home.

Sgt Davidson said the most serious cases were not those who got drunk
on a night out, but those whose lifestyle was affected because they
persistently drank.

"If they are getting to the stage where there is a long history with
drugs and alcohol you are looking at a huge safety factor."

He said young men were often the victims of violence. Four months ago
a 15-year-old boy was allegedly raped while drunk.

"I would like to see a youth-focused residential rehab facility. I
appreciate it's a funding issue, but the more money put into early
intervention the better," Sgt Davidson said.

Richmond Fellowship Alcohol and Drug Detox Service clinical
co-ordinator Lorraine Watson said, while the service was not aimed at
young people, there was one bed available for detox in Dunedin, which
could be used by a teenager if needed.

Detox can take up to six days as people get through the peak of their
addiction; however, often it was more appropriate for teenagers to
detox in a "social detox" rather than being confined to a clinical
situation, she said.

Otago Youth Wellness practice manager Chris Morris said while more
services may be required, it was important also to ensure they were
"appropriate and accessible".

"It's an issue that needs to be addressed and it needs funding," he said.

Mirror Youth Day Programme and Counselling Service manager Debbie
Fraser said residential programmes were not always the most effective
way of treating youth addictions.