CENTRE OFFERS LONG-TERM ADDICTION TREATMENT FOR YOUTH

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today to mark a construction milestone at British Columbia’s first long-term residential treatment centre for youth challenged by addiction.

The event at The Crossing at Keremeos was held to celebrate the completion of Ashnola Lodge, a residential building that will provide accommodation for 20 youth, along with space for programs. The first clients will start arriving in early 2009, while construction on other buildings and amenities for the 42-bed centre is on schedule for completion by May 2009.

“British Columbia offers a range of services to youth with addictions, but The Crossing at Keremeos will provide a service not yet available in this province – long-term residential treatment for drug and alcohol addiction,” said Health Services Minister George Abbott. “This centre will provide young people with a proven treatment program that can help them rebuild their lives.”

The centre is the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Health Services, Fraser Health, Interior Health and Vancouver Coastal Health, the community organizations Central City Foundation and From Grief to Action, and the program operator, Portage Program for Drug Dependencies.

“The Central City Foundation board truly welcomed the opportunity to push forward with the early completion and occupancy of the Ashnola Lodge, having long recognized the urgency of the needs of B.C. families and young people challenged by addiction,” said Central City Foundation president and CEO Jennifer Johnstone.

“We have been dreaming of this day for 10 years,” said Susie Ruttan, co-founder of From Grief to Action. “Now addicted youth of B.C. will have the benefit of Portage’s life-changing program in their home province. In this spectacular, uplifting setting, they will have the chance to restore their health, reconnect with their families and reclaim their future.”

The Crossing at Keremeos will provide treatment for up to 42 youth, aged 14-18, who will live on site for between six months to a year, depending on their needs. While at the centre, they will participate in a program developed by the Portage Program for Drug Dependencies, which features daily group therapy and regular recreation and sports activities to promote physical health and well-being. Residents will also be able to complete their high school education and receive vocational counselling.

Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health are providing $2.4 million in annual operating funding for The Crossing at Keremeos. Interior Health will provide urgent or emergent medical services required by the residents of the centre.

“Today, young people in B.C. are exposed to alcohol and drugs at an earlier age than ever, putting them at greater risk of developing addictions,” said Vancouver Coastal Health president and CEO Ida Goodreau, who represented the health authorities at the opening event. “Having a long-term residential treatment centre will be essential to reducing the health and social impacts addiction has on these young people, their families and communities.”

Central City Foundation owns the 58-acre Keremeos property and is leasing it to the health authorities at no cost. The foundation also led the $6.5-million capital campaign for construction and renovation of existing buildings and amenities on the site. Contributors to the capital campaign include the Province, with a $2-million grant, the Central City Foundation, with a $1-million contribution, private individual and corporate donors, foundations, the health authorities and the Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District.

The Crossing at Keremeos was inspired by the needs identified by From Grief to Action, a non-profit society formed by the parents of drug users, which promotes recognition of drug use as a health issue. The Portage Program for Drug Dependencies is a non-profit organization based in Montreal and is a recognized leader in residential addiction treatment. It operates 17 similar residential treatment programs in 10 facilities in Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick.

source: BC Ministry of Health Services

More Treatment & Detox Articles

Young Europeans Drink To Increase Chance of Sex

A new study of young adults in nine European countries found that nearly one in four women and one in three men deliberately engage in binge drinking and drug use to improve their chances of sex. The study also found that young people were more at risk of unsafe sex while under the influence of….

Recovery rally tackles addiction's stigma

A Murfreesboro resident’s inspiring story in successfully battling an addiction has led to his selection to attend a national “recovery rally” in New York City today. “It is a daily struggle,” said 51-year-old Richard Soper. “You just take it one day at a time.” Soper practices psychiatry primarily in the Nashville area and is president….

UTPA students learn about the dangers of drinking

University of Texas-Pan American freshmen Iliana Cantu and Baldomero Perez giggled while taking a survey about alcohol use. The 18-year-olds said they don’t really drink and prefer to focus on their studies. “We’re geeks,” Perez joked. But they said they have friends attending schools beyond the Rio Grande Valley where binge drinking and heavy partying….

Children and alcohol: even France is no longer immune

While Britain tries a new approach to curb underage drinking, teenage binges are on the rise across the Channel If there is one country that might be expected to greet the chief medical officer’s words on not mixing children and alcohol with a loud cough and splutter, it is France. In the land of rolling….

Benefits of Private Prescription Drug Treatment

Private prescription drug treatment program

When you are addicted to prescription medications, private drug treatment can be the most beneficial option to assure your greatest chance of making a full recovery. Unlike traditional treatment centers that may be funded by insurance coverage or state policy, private prescription drug treatment programs are privately funded and this allows for ample resources, better….