STEADY RESPONSE TO ADDICTIONS SERVICE

You are ushered in with a big welcome at Alouette Addiction Services.

The hot chocolate, sweet treats and friendly smiles might be part of the
lure for its newest services.

"People are coming in because they really don't know where to turn next,"
said the organization's executive director, Ron Lawrence.

First Response started Monday at Alouette Addiction Services on Lougheed
Highway in downtown Maple Ridge, offering for the first time immediate
counselling on treatment options.

It has seen steady attendance since.

Up to six people at a time dropped in during the first three days to take
advantage of the service that Lawrence hopes provides "first contact" for
addicts.

"People who haven't sought service before are actually coming out," he said.

"It's a good response for just starting up and with no advertising."

It's an informal atmosphere and everything talked about at the table is
"sacred," Lawrence explained.

"I've made a commitment to everybody in the room that whatever we talk
about will stay in that room," he said.

Themes around families, addiction and relationships are brought up during
two-hour meeting.

"We are currently working on getting some into treatment and we are
focusing on getting some re-grounded back into their spiritual ways," said
Lawrence.

First Response is a drop-in "service on demand" held from 10 a.m. to noon,
Monday to Friday at Alouette Addiction Services, 22477 Lougheed Highway.