More treatment big step in the right direction

MEDIA RELEASE
8 OCTOBER 2009

More addiction treatment beds a big step in the right direction

Increased funding for residential treatment beds at Odyssey House Auckland will be great news for a host of people, not just those addicted to ‘P’, says Odyssey CEO Christine Kalin.

“For every person addicted to ‘P’ there is a mother, a father, or a son or daughter who knows first-hand the devastation this drug causes,” says Ms Kalin.

“As an organisation we applaud the Government for recognising the severity of this problem and the destructive nature of this drug – and putting their money where their mouth is.”

Over the last 10 years the number of residential beds available to treat people addicted to alcohol and other drugs has been reduced.

In the case of addictive drugs like ‘P’, residential treatment is a highly effective option because it seriously intervenes in the person’s life, removes them from the context of their drug use, and immerses them in a supportive environment that treats the root causes of their addiction.

Odyssey House Auckland typically has at least 100 [CHECK FIGURE?] people on a waiting list for places in residential treatment because there simply are not enough beds to go around.

“Every week I get at least one letter from a person or family member desperately pleading for access to a bed – it’s heartbreaking to have to turn them away,” says Ms Kalin.

“For many people there is only a small window of opportunity during which they can be persuaded to get help, usually through third party pressure. If we lose them at that stage, we may never get them back. And by that I mean they often end up in jail or dead. It’s that serious.

“That’s why this new funding is such excellent news. We have been advocating for extra beds for some time and we are incredibly pleased and grateful the Government has acted to assist us.

“In practical terms this funding will enable us to treat more adults and young people, reduce our waiting list, and help turn around the lives of people addicted to ‘P’, and their families.”

ENDS

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