ADDICTS NEED MORE

Addictions Week in Canada has come to an end, but there's still a
need to improve the system for helping people in Quesnel recover from
an alcohol or drug problem.

Quesnel Mental Health has five beds designated for detoxification
services, but it's only funded for 11 months of the year. Quesnel
does not have a treatment centre either. The nearest treatment centre
is in Prince George and costs $4,000 for a four-month stay.

The Ministry of Health will pay for the treatment if you're on social
assistance, but if you're a working person with a spouse and
children, the Ministry won't cover the costs.

Quesnel may be too small to have its own treatment centre, but the
Ministry should find a way to help working people get the help they
need. Otherwise they fall through the cracks in the system and go
back to their bad habits and the circle of addiction continues.