Released on October 19, 2006
Since its proclamation in April 2006, The Youth Drug Detoxification and Stabilization Act has provided a safe stabilization place for 60 young people with serious addiction issues.Of the 60 young people admitted to the interim secure care facility in Regina over the past six months, 38 were female, 22 were male and the most common age groups were 15, 16 and 17 years of age. The youth listed a range of substances with which they struggled. The most used substance was marijuana, with 53 youth listing it as a drug of choice. Some other drugs listed by youth in the facility were:
• cocaine (35 listings);
• alcohol (25 listings);
• ecstasy (23 listings);
• morphine (16 listings);
• mushrooms (12 listings); and
• crystal meth (7 listings, with 3 youths listed this as their first choice).
Numbers do not add up to 60 because many youth are using multiple substances. The statistics indicate that marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol seem to be the most common drugs used by addicted youth in Saskatchewan.
"We are making life better today for families and building a better future here for our youth," Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley said. "We will continue to meet with groups around the province to ensure this legislation does what it is intended to do – provide a last resort option for families with drug addicted youth. This legislation is one part of our comprehensive plan for addictions services in Saskatchewan."
A consultation is taking place today in 18 communities via Saskatchewan Communications Network. Health care professionals, communities, students and other interested groups are coming together to discuss the Act, how it has worked so far and possible future enhancements.
The Youth Drug Detoxification and Stabilization Act allows parents and guardians of youths aged 12 to 17 to ask a judge to have the youth assessed by a physician to determine whether the youth requires involuntary detoxification and stabilization.
Once a judge has determined a need, two qualified doctors will separately assess the youth to determine a necessary course of action. A youth could access involuntary detoxification and stabilization services in either:
• the youth's home community for up to 30 days, or;
• the interim provincial Secure Youth Detox Centre, a live-in, locked facility, for up to five days with the possibility of renewal for two additional five day periods.
The interim provincial Secure Youth Detox Centre is housed in a separate unit at the Paul Dojack Centre in Regina. Plans are in development for a permanent facility to be housed in Saskatoon as part of a larger treatment and stabilization facility for youth.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Joan Petrie Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083 |