For almost a decade, the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention team has been raising the awareness of the growing abuse of prescription drugs across the region.
Last November, Connie Peterson of Oh-Shki-Be-Ma-Te-Ze-Win went on the record with the startling information that 75-80 percent of youth aged 13-15 are using opiate type drugs on Couchiching First Nation. Connie’s numbers have been supported by other professionals in the area.
Jeff Tilbury, an addictions counsellor with Riverside Community Counselling Services has noted that the problem is increasing in the area.
In April, Tara Tovey bared her addiction problem to the community by admitting that she was addicted to Oxycontin.
Since then the Times, through parents and relatives, have heard many similar stories of the trials that young people face in trying to kick their habits. And we are discovering that the addiction is not just limited to youth of the community, but also includes many older adults who have become addicted to their prescribed medicines.
The numbers speak of a crisis in the region—one that can’t be ignored any longer. The crisis is the lack of spaces available in Northwestern Ontario for treatment.
The answer to those addicted and their families would be opening an addiction treatment centre in the Fort Frances area. The waiting time for treatment in Kenora or Thunder Bay is just too long when people decide to make such a change in their lives.
Just as the community sought out support for chemotherapy and dialysis treatment in Fort Frances, it is time for the community to support the Substance Abuse Prevention team which is working to establish a treatment centre in our area.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
