Parents seeking youth addiction support services

By Ken Johnston
Editor

It took a group of concerned parents to realize that there is a huge missing link in the addition counselling and treatment system in the Rainy River District.
Parents Against Illicit Narcotics (PAIN) formed in the past year and in February of this year pulled together experts from across the district to talk about what services are available for adults and are lacking for kids.
In a petition circulating around the district PAIN is asking citizens to help raise these issues with the appropriate government agencies and get action and funding to implement youth addition services here. They would include an intervention team, education, qualified youth addiction counselors, local psychiatric support, medical withdrawal management, a treatment center, parent and family support and aftercare services.
The petition is also calling for increase drug enforcement at the street level and acting on child endangerment laws such as adults selling or giving children/youth drugs.
Hugh Dennis of the RR Dist Substance Abuse Prevention Team (RRSAPT) has been spearheading the publicity for the petition. While RRSAPT works mainly to prevent substance abuse they felt this missing link in the chain of recovery was important to support.
At present the nearest treatment centers for youth are in The Pas, Manitoba and Thunder Bay and often have long waiting lists. “Waiting 4-6 months is often too late. They often relapse or get into trouble,” said Dennis. He added that having to leave their home area is often very frightening for youth. Having a center closer to home and support services for both the addict and their families would be much better for all involved.
The petitions will be in circulation until Aug. 31st. In Rainy River people can sign it at the Record office during normal business hours.
PAIN has already started a district parent support group. PAIN will continue to serve as a working group until they get the services necessary to help the district’s youth.
Dennis said anyone wishing to turn in drug dealers selling to young people can call the OPP and Crimestoppers and remain anonymous.