Pot times

Plan Arrives at Perfect Time

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1066/a09.html
Newshawk: Herb
Pubdate: Sat, 02 Jul 2005
Source: Prince Albert Daily Herald (CN SN)
Copyright: 2005 Prince Albert Daily Herald
Contact: editorial@paherald.sk.ca
Website: http://www.paherald.sk.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1918
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)

           

                                                                                                                                                                       

PLAN ARRIVES AT PERFECT TIME

Wednesday, a huge crowd turned out in Prince Albert to learn about the threat of crystal meth and to hear about a plan to address substance abuse in this region.

On Thursday morning, Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford sent out a press release announcing the province's launch of a review of Saskatchewan's approach to treating addicted youth.

The timing is interesting, to say the least.

There is no question there has been a surge in awareness of the limited availability of addictions services, particularly for youth.  The spread of crystal meth use, a drug which often requires immediate and intense detox treatment, has highlighted the problem.  The fact the four daily newspapers in the province worked together on a project surrounding crystal meth is evidence of this.

And the public's interest has brought the issue onto the radar screen of the government.

It is fortunate Prince Albert has its comprehensive action plan in place.  It is important the lobbying of the NDP to help bring the addictions/detoxification strategy to life kicks into high gear.

The emotional fuel for this fire should come from the stories about the turmoil caused in families by addiction.  Parents are actually coming to the police to get their children arrested, since the courts often are the only tool parents have to force their kids into treatment.

There needs to be another way.

Those who have been circulating a petition to allow parents more tools to force their addicted children into treatment should also see opportunity in the provincial review.  Crofford says the effort will include exploring the use of secure care for those who are resistant to voluntary treatment.

The nature of politicians is to react when the most points can be clearly scored with the public.  And voters have made it clear this is an issue they care about.  But there is a window of opportunity that must be entered before the government moves to the next hot topic.

Prince Albert's wise preparation should allow the community to benefit from good political timing.