Mayencourt Wants New Deal on Drug Addiction

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 03:55 AM

Vancouver –Burrard MLA Lorne Mayencourt is hoping to see a new approach to dealing with drug addiction in BC.

He spoke to a gathering in Prince George, which was attended by drug addicts, people working with addiction and the general public .

Mayencourt hopes to see a development such as the unique community in Italy called San Patrignano which takes a holistic approach towards drug addiction. In that community of 2500 people, the treatment is undertaken by people who live in the special community.

The community was established in 1972 in Italy to try and give reformed addicts somewhere to go and something to do. IAddicts run their own, dairy, furniture manufacture, bakery, winery and a host of other cottage industries which result in the former addicts who operate the facility contributing 60% of the cost of running the facility.

Here in BC said Mayencourt addicts go into the detox program between 4 and 5 times, while in San Patrignano addicts stay upwards of two to three years and many of them move into the compound with their family. They come their because of their addiction but soon learn how to work for a living and the results are great. For example he said 80% of the food produced comes from their own sources and there is a sense of pride in what this community is able to do. While we in BC have a recovery rate of between 10 and 12% he said, in San Patrignano they have a 75% success rate.

Recovering addicts in attendance at the meeting for the most part said they would love to live in a community such as this.

One young lady said, "I am just now trying to get an education beyond grade 4, and I need help." Another addict told the gathering, "I’m in if you put together a town like that. I will be one of the first to ask for them to take me."

Mayencourt says he is looking at the old Baldy Hughes air base, which he says people have been telling him would make an ideal location and he has a meeting with a rancher in Ashcroft next week.

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Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 03:55 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: REALIST on March 20 2007 5:09 AM

I attended this meeting what they are really talking about is taking the addicts on the street and putting them in a fenced in area where tthey can be forced to live for up to five years. For this governemnt the best part is that it costs them very little to run and thus, they can have their olympics and continue to create an society that absolutely breeds addicts. Unfortunately many in attendance obviously including MR. Meisner have been fooled by the smoke and mirors of professional presentaion techniques. This is yet another band-aid solution. the real answer to the root problems is in quality legislation that works towards the eridication of poverty and quality programs for those dual diagnosed addicts and those with mental health issues. Cambells approach to cutting social spending to promote corporate tax breaks has resulted in the lost understanding of welfare use as a tool of social control. By the way Mr, Mayencourt the Italian program does not take dual diagnosed clients and does not take alcoholics. If your intention is to pull the wool over the eyes of the less informed, at least get your facts straight. This was yet another photo opportunity for the M.L.A.s with no real substance. Shame on you Ben for falling for this. You of all people should be aware of politicians real intentions.

Posted by: REALIST on March 20 2007 5:11 AM

Sorry fot the spelling errors as I just woke up. I couldn't sleep due to my anger at what we saw in that room.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on March 20 2007 9:18 AM

Please...somebody tell me this was an early April Fools joke?