RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAMS AIMED AT YOUTHS

Youth battling drug addictions can now turn to a residential treatment
program rather than outpatient counselling as the provincial government has
announced funding for 12 treatment beds in southern Alberta.

The $4.2 million for the youth detox and residential treatment program
offers a total of 24 beds -- 12 in the Calgary area and 12 in Edmonton,
Calgary Lougheed MLA Dave Rodney said Thursday.

The economic boom that has brought more people to Alberta and put more
money in their pockets has contributed to the drug addiction problem,
Rodney said.

"We have more problems with alcohol and other drugs . . . than we've had
before," he said.

A director for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission said parents
have been asking for years for a residential treatment approach for drug
addicted youths.

"Over the years, we've seen a need for a more intense program," Silvia
Vajushi said.

Of the 12 beds funded for Calgary, four will be opened in the city, but the
remaining eight will be run out of the Enviros base camp, a facility near
the Ghost River Wilderness Area.

Vajushi said youths from 12 to 17 will have the option of attending either
an urban program, where they can obtain psychiatric care as needed, or the
wilderness centre.

"Some youth are more sensation-seeking," Vajushi said.

"It's a safe place that takes them out of their comfort zone," added
Carolyn Godfrey, Enviros program manager.