INITIAL FINDINGS ON ADDICTIONS FROM GRAHAM ADDLEY

Today, Graham Addley, the Premier's Legislative Secretary on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment, released his initial findings and recommendations about addictions issues in Saskatchewan.

Through consultations with experts, addictions workers, concerned parents, and others across the province, Addley confirmed that Saskatchewan has an effective network of addictions services. However, he found a series of gaps in service provision, including:

· a need for improved 24-hour crisis services for people with substance abuse issues and their families; and

· a need for services that meet the needs of young people and the special challenges presented by crystal meth.

"It has been my privilege in the last several months to talk with many people across Saskatchewan," Addley said. "In light of what I have seen and heard, I am moving up the release of my report from the end of this year to June of 2005, to encourage the government to better equip addictions professionals, law enforcement agencies, individuals, and families to fight substance abuse."

Addley's recommendations for the short term are:

· a 24-hour telephone help line and promotion campaign for the line;

· awareness information for students, especially high school students;

· improved in-patient services for young people with addictions issues;

· support of MethWatch, a partnership of retailers and manufacturers to prevent the use of common household products to produce methamphetamine; and

· to discuss crystal meth at the upcoming Western Premiers' conference, to share ideas and to address interprovincial trafficking.

Consultations will continue until the middle of May 2005 with a focus on how to reduce, prevent, and treat addictions across the province. The report of the Legislative Secretary to the Premier will be released in June 2005.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083