Updated April 15, 2008

Women share addiction struggles
By Heather Latter
Staff writer

FORT FRANCES—As a follow-up to last year’s presentation from three men about recovering from addictions, the local Substance Abuse Prevention Team, along with the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre, brought in another set of speakers last week.
But this time the presenters were female. And they spoke to students and community members around the district about their struggles with alcohol and drug addictions.
“Young women have a different metabolism than men, which makes it different in how they deal with alcohol and drugs. They are also able to bear children,” SAPT co-ordinator Hugh Dennis explained.
“That is why we felt is was important to bring them in.”
The speakers were Gwen, 27, Janice, 21, and Lindsay, 24. They spoke to students at Fort Frances High School, Rainy River High School, and Big Grassy School, as well as in Emo, Atikokan, and Couchiching.
In addition to struggling with alcohol and drug addictions, the trio also had problems with eating disorders and self-mutilation.
In fact, all seemed to suffer from a lack of self-esteem.
With her parents divorced and both remarried, Gwen said she never felt like part of either family.
“I felt like I was on the outside looking in. I never felt warmth and comfort,” she remarked, adding she began hurting herself at a young age because she didn’t feel as pretty, skinny, or smart as other girls.
“It seemed everyone else had something I didn’t. I felt I had no friends,” she said. “But then I had some alcohol and the void filled up.
“I felt I belonged somewhere—that I was one of the cool kids.”
She also became anorexic, but still saw someone who was ugly and overweight. And because she moved around a lot, she often got into trouble but moved before she had to take responsibility for her actions.
Gwen met her son’s father when she was 19 years old. Two weeks later, they moved in together.
“He gave me a car and a spending account. I thought it was love,” she noted.
Soon after, she discovered she was pregnant and her boyfriend took away her car and spending account. She also couldn’t drink anymore.
When her son was nine months old, Gwen started partying again.
“My son’s dad would pull me out of the bar and tell me that my baby needed me. I would look at them and walk away,” she recalled. “I never thought my drinking affected those around me.
“I never saw how it hurt my son, partner, and family.”
She explained she was scared to admit she had a problem. But once she asked for help, she was able to overcome her addiction.
Gwen is now five years’ sober and studying kinesiology.
Meanwhile, Janice and Lindsay had similar experiences.
“I couldn’t feel good about myself,” Janice said, noting she was addicted to crack, coke, and alcohol, was bulimic, and often hurt herself.
“It’s a disease of perception. Nothing in my head was real,” she remarked. “I used outside things to fill the void.”
Like Gwen, she didn’t think she was hurting anyone else. “And I wouldn’t have care,” she admitted.
Janice said she knows now that she didn’t need to do those things. She went to rehab and started to feel happy.
“I know today that I’m a good mom,” she stressed. “But I have to work hard to stay sober.”
Lindsay said she suffered from the same feelings long before she put alcohol in her body. “I was obsessed with what I looked like on the outside because I felt so bad on the inside,” she explained.
She also became addicted to drugs, staying in her boyfriend’s basement for days at a time without brushing her teeth or showering.
“That’s when I realized I need help,” she remarked. “Today, I can still have those feelings. If you have felt like this, it’s not weird or abnormal, but some will have to choose which path to take.
“We’re all the same on the inside,” she added, noting that if someone does choose drug or alcohol addictions, they can always turn back and ask for help.
“You’re not alone. You’re not silly. And people are there to help.”
Two students from Fort Frances High School thanked the girls for sharing their stories.
“It was interesting to hear what you had to say,” one noted. “We all have a need for self-fulfillment. Your stories were easy to related to and hit close to home.”
Dennis said he believes the students came away with a lot of information from the presentation.
“There was silence in the room,” he recalled. “The kids were paying attention and that’s an indication that the message was being heard.”
(Fort Frances Times)


This is Roland (dad) and son (Jessie) speaking at youth health symposium March 27 about addiction and recovery from alcohol and cocaine. They also discussed the realities of growing up today and the feelings of being the son of a alcoholic and addict. Sponsors F/N Health Access Centre, Metis Nation of Ontario & RRD Substance Abuse Prevention Team.


Detachment Staff Sgt. Brian Brattengeier Drug Enforcement Section Thunder Bay. He spoke about enforcement and consequences of drug use both legally, socially and physically… His brother is a practicing cocaine addict as well which really personalized presentation.


The real story of 2007

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Students learn what it’s like to be an injury survivor
Heather Latter - Fort Frances Times Ltd.

FORT FRANCES—Groups of Grade 10 students from the Civics class at Fort Frances High School participated in the “Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth” (P.A.R.T.Y.) program at La Verendrye Hospital here last Wednesday and Friday.
The newly-implemented program focuses on injury prevention and making smart choices, and showed the teens what it’s like to live as an injury survivor.
“It’s a critical that we offer this program,” stressed FFHS vice-principal Brian Love. “Getting this message out to young people is going to be life-saving. . . .
“It’s a multi-pronged attack to make them aware of the risks they take,” he added. “We should be doing anything we can to make sure they make the right choices.”
The day-long program took students through the different aspects of being involved in a tragic event—from the response teams arriving at the scene to being rushed into the emergency room to being transferred to intensive care.
“We hope this helps you to understand the consequences and realities of making bad choices,” John Beaton, local P.A.R.T.Y. program co-ordinator, stressed to the students.
He indicated about 90 percent of injuries are preventable and in order to reduce the chances of getting hurt, people can make smart choices to drive sober, get trained, look first, buckle up, and wear the gear.
“The choice is yours,” Beaton said, indicating to the participants that they would learn the realities of brain and spinal cord injuries.
“These injuries cannot be fixed,” he noted. “And often they make simple tasks—like walking, getting dressed, speaking, and writing—difficult.”
The students first heard from paramedic supervisor Ed Carlson, paramedics Doug Rydell and Dave Black, and Wayne Riches of the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service.
They explained the procedure for making 9-1-1 calls and how emergency teams respond to the call, noting that sometimes it can take more than an hour to get help for those involved in a crash or other accident.
“We have to make sure the scene is safe,” stressed Riches. “It’s more than just coming and getting you out of the vehicle. We have to ensure it’s safe before anyone can get to you.
“Once access is gained, the EMS take over.”
The paramedics demonstrated how they strap an injured individual to a backboard, using a Grade 10 volunteer as the injured party. They secured his neck with a collar and taped his head to the board.
The participants became aware of the how uncomfortable and alarming it would be in such a serious situation like that.
Next the students headed to the emergency room, where nursing supervisor Cathy Bock showed how the staff prepares before the patient comes through the door.
She had volunteers help to get the IV ready and then demonstrated preparation of the heart rate monitor, oxygen machine, and tools.
Then once the “patient” (a dummy complete with fake bloody wounds) arrived, volunteers helped to transfer it to the bed. And Bock had a participant continually use a bag valve mask to provide ventilation to the “patient.”
Another student used a stethoscope to check out the “patient” while another learn how to insert the IV.
Bock also demonstrated the insertion of a chest tube and catheter, the use of the defibrillator, and showed how a patient would be hooked up to a ventilator.
“There are lots of people and lots of noise in the emergency room,” she stressed, indicating bright lights will shine, fingers will be poking and prodding, tubes will be inserted, and needles will be used to draw blood.
She noted often the patient’s clothes are cut off so the hospital staff can determine the extent of the injuries. And she added they may work on the patient for several hours before he or she is taken to surgery or to the Intensive Care Unit.
In addition, it was noted there are some injuries that can’t be taken care of at La Verendrye Hospital and so the patient is stabilized and transported.
Next the students heard from physiotherapist Deidre O’Sullivan, who taught them about the rehabilitation process for someone who has suffered from a brain or spinal cord injury.
“It’s a long process and it can be pretty lonely,” she noted, adding sometimes the injury survivor has to be admitted to another hospital because they don’t have the facilities here to help them.
“Your family and friends may not be able to spend all of the time with you.”
And O’Sullivan explained the nurses and family members become the patient’s total caregivers, although the individual is taught to do as much as possible for themselves.
O’Sullivan said the brain can become damaged on both sides when struck. Since the cells do not grow back, it can make the individual unable to understand simple commands or effects the memory.
“You would have to learn things over,” she noted. “And a person’s behaviour changes. They can become abusive or self-destructive. Sometimes they have to wear a mitt and be tied down.
“These people aren’t normally like that, but the injury makes their personality change.”
She explained a brain injury also may effect physical function and vision. Accident victims sometimes have to live in assisted housing with other people and often are too tired to work or go to school.
Meanwhile, she noted a spinal cord injury effects the information highway from the brain to an individual’s arms and legs. If there is a break in the vertebra, they messages don’t get through.
Depending on where the damage is on the spinal cord, O’Sullivan said, people can become a paraplegic (can’t use legs) or a quadriplegic (can’t use arms or legs).
“Often with spinal cord injuries, the patient is stuck in bed and gets pressure sores, which aren’t very nice. And going to the bathroom isn’t pleasant, either,” she said, citing catheters and suppositories are used.
“And they sometimes go through depression because life is so different,” she added. “It’s a big knock to someone’s self-esteem.”
O’Sullivan said in order to have a relationship, you have to be with someone very understanding of the condition.
“Lots of people would have a hard time understanding and they might even lose some people in their life,” she warned. “It’s not to say they can’t have a fulfilling life, but everything would be very different.”
Dr. Jason Shack also spoke to the teens about making the right choices. He explained crashes and collisions are not accidents because they usually can be prevented.
“Life would be boring if you didn’t take risks, but be smart about the risks you take,” he stressed.
The participants also had lunch at the hospital that they brought themselves, but they ate as though they had a brain or spinal cord injury.
Using neck braces and a special masks with a toilet paper roll attached to simulate tunnel vision, the students tried to eat without the use of their fingers.
They often had to depend on others for help.
While there were a lot of laughs and giggles, Love noted he’s sure they received the message loud and clear.
“There’s no substitute for the hands-on experience of the hardships other people face,” he remarked.
The students also tried to write checks without using their fingers and traced a simple maze while looking in the mirror—more simulations of easy tasks that can be made difficult with brain or spinal cord injuries.
To close the program, Fort Frances OPP Cst. Doug Irish spoke about the legal implications of drinking and driving. The participants also watched a film called “The Ripple Effect,” which had real-life victims sharing their stories.
It became evident that making a bad decision could also effect their friends, family, and community—or even people they don’t know.
Beaton noted the next time they hold the P.A.R.T.Y. program, they’d like to have an injury survivor from the area speak to the students. If anyone is willing to do that, they can contact him at 274-2618.
“The program went very well,” Beaton added. “It gets them [the students] involved and it gets them thinking.”
He indicated they are looking to expand the program to include the high schools in Atikokan and Rainy River next year, as well as to develop a similar program for local Grade 7/8 students.
“We have to reach the kids who are possibly at risk,” Beaton stressed, thanking all those who helped to make the first run of the P.A.R.T.Y. program a success.

FACS working on substance abuse training
Heather Latter - Fort Frances Times Ltd.
Given the recent initiatives for substance abuse prevention and services in the community, therapists at Family and Children’s Services here are working towards improving their knowledge and expertise in substance abuse counselling.
“Family and Children’s Service does have a mental health program, but where we have a deficit is in regard to clinicians with substance abuse counselling experience and training,” noted Troy Clink, manager of Children’s Mental Health.
“What we’ve been able to do is bring in trainers to speak to us and that is definitely a huge focus of what we’re trying to do this year. It’s a big part of our service plan,” he explained.
Clink said although the five therapists in Fort Frances and the two in Atikokan have received some training, it takes time to build a program to support substance abuse issues, which is their goal.
“Substance abuse counselling is a specialty, so it’s not something we can do overnight, but we are working towards becoming savvy in treating substance abuse issues,” Clink stressed.
He explained substance abuse issues don’t occur independent of mental health issues, meaning many people who suffer from depression or anxiety find a drug, whether it be marijuana, alcohol, etc., which calms their nerves or helps them forget what they are depressed about.
“That’s how the two act in concert, so to have a thorough substance abuse program, you need to be able to deal with the mental health component, as well as the substance abuse component,” Clink said.
And since the therapists at FACS have experience with mental health issues, but not so much with substance abuse, they are investing a lot of attention to it.
Clink noted FACS also is pursuing funding to help set up a substance abuse program there.
He added it would be ideal to have enough funds to hire a full-time substance abuse clinician since there isn’t many services for youth dealing with substance abuse in the area.
“It’s a need I noticed almost right away,” he said, noting he moved to Fort Frances about a year ago.
While the local group, Parents Against Illicit Narcotics (PAIN), has been instrumental about gaining youth addictions services, primarily residential services in the district, Clink said he sees that as an initiative with a long process.
“It would be great . . . but for the interim, this is what we should strive for,” he remarked, adding once clients come out of the residential program, they still need to have community support available to them.
“It’s all working toward the same goal,” Clink stressed.
FACS has been developing a partnership with the Smith Clinic in Thunder Bay by bringing in some of their clinicians to speak in order to gain expertise in substance abuse counselling.
Smith Clinic offers the only program in the province that provides residential addiction services to youths age 12-17. While there are programs for those 16 and over, only the Smith Clinic has beds for those under 16.
“She showed us how we could refer to kids to the Smith Centre regarding their substance abuse issues,” Clink noted. “So we have the capability of referring kids there, which is really cool because we had no idea before that presentation.”
But there are just nine beds at the Smith Clinic and it is almost always full of youths from all across Ontario.
“[The presenter] said most of the clients come from southern Ontario, so it’s kind of crazy that we’re not having more clients going there since we have the proximity,” Clink said.
The therapists at FACS will continue to work with clinicians from the Smith Clinic to develop a substance abuse counselling program there, but will use what they’ve learned so far to offer any help the can to youths with addictions.
“I would welcome kids with substance abuse issues because any support is better than none at all,” Clink stressed. “[The program] is going to be a work in progress and we’ll continue to get more and more effective at it as we practice.”
In other news regarding substance abuse initiatives locally, an idea to start up a youth group for teens was discussed at a recent PAIN meeting.
Hugh Dennis, co-ordinator of the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team, said they’d like to offer a place for youths to share, vent, and feel safe when discussing their issues.
As well, the group is again sending out petitions to the provincial government, which were circulated across Rainy River District this past summer requesting the establishment of youth addiction services and increased drug enforcement in the area.
They want to ensure the new cabinet is aware of their request for help.
However, they did receive a response from the minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, who directed PAIN to work with the OPP detachment commander in Fort Frances regarding drug enforcement.
He also noted he passed on their request to the minister of Health Promotion and others.
These initiatives will be addressed further at the next meeting of PAIN, which is slated for Monday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Northwestern Health Unit office here (396 Scott St.)
Members of the public are welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Dennis at 274-9827.

****** NEWS RELEASE ******

Run for Recovery a Success in Raising Awareness of Youth Substance Abuse in District

October 28, 2007 - The first Run For Recovery, hosted in partnership by the Parents Against Illicit Narcotics and the Borderland Bicycle club to promote the awareness of youth substance abuse issues and the need for youth treatment services, was a great success on Sunday.

"We're really pleased with the turnout," says Jeff Tilbury, lead organizer. "We had 25 participants, with runners doing a 7 km loop and hikers a 3.5 km loop around the Hopkins Bay Multi-Use Trail behind the great Bear. It was nippy and a little breezy but everyone had fun."

Local marathon runner Lorn Ricard finished first with an overall time of 34:42, just 16 seconds ahead of Atikokan runner Victoria Alexander at 34:58. Rounding out the top three was Britton Green with a time of 37:32. Full results and pictures can be found at the Borderland Bicycle Club website at http://borderlandbicycleclub.googlepages.com/.

"It's a challenging trail, with lots of up and down sections, and lots of obstacles that people had to watch for and overcome," explains Tilbury. "It's a lot like the challenges we face in life, and the real problems faced by youth suffering from substance abuse in the district."

Runners and hikers enjoyed recovery food and hot chocolate donated by Pharmasave, Substance Abuse Prevention, Northwestern Health Unit Harm Reduction Program, and the Borderland Bicycle Club. Several draw prizes and two $20 gift certificates from Skates & Blades were given out after the race and all those who stuck around went home with a little something.

Parents Against Illicit Narcotics and the Borderland Bicycle Club want to thank all who attended and volunteered at the event, as well as the following groups and businesses for their support: Riverside Community Counselling Services, Substance Abuse Prevention, Pharmasave, Skates & Blades, The Great Bear, Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition, Northwestern Health Unit Harm Reduction Program, Road ID, Fort Frances Times, West End Weekly, Atikokan Progress, Rainy River Record,  and B93.

M. McKinnon

The Substance Abuse Prevention team is launching a new program, Families Rule!, to help families tackle substance abuse issues head on.

The program is modeled on the successful ‘commitment letter’ program, in which young people and parents sign an agreement allowing the young person to call home for a safe ride at any time.

At the heart of Families Rule! is a ten-part guide to creating a family policy around the use of alcohol, medication, drugs and tobacco, and around safe travel. The guide lists some potential policies a family could adopt, and urges families to apply the rules - and consequences - to all members. It is all set up in a short, straightforward pamphlet.

“It came out of a group in Renfrew County,” said team director Hugh Dennis. “We hope that it can at least open the door to discussion in the family. Give everyone a chance to do a bit of a reality check.”

Students here and across the district will get a pamphlet outlining the policy guides. The team is hoping to be able to distribute them with report cards, as well as at parent-teacher evenings, the November health fair in Atikokan, and through the Safe and Healthy Lifestyles committee here.

Abuse prevention add.: PAIN - People Against Illicit Narcotics - has presented its petition calling for the development of a substance abuse treatment facility for youth in the Rainy River District, to the government and all 8 candidates in the two district ridings. As well as the petition, signed by 1,632 residents, the politicians are getting endorsements of the proposal from Atikokan Council and the Fort Frances Tribal Area Chiefs.

M. McKinnon

People Against Illicit Narcotics (PAIN) have collected over 1,300 signatures on a petition calling for addiction treatment facilities for youth in the Rainy River District. Now, they will take their appeal to politicians - both the sitting Liberal government, and the candidates in the upcoming election.

“There is a great lack of services - absolutely no resources out there - and parents don’t know where to turn,” said Sharon Strachan, who asked Council Monday for a letter supporting the call. (Council agreed to provide the letter.)

The group, which has been meeting for several months in Fort Frances, will hold its first Atikokan meeting during the first week of October. (The date will be announced shortly; the meeting will be held at the ANFC.) The group includes reps from the Substance Abuse Prevention program, the OPP, First Nation Police, Riverside Health Care Counselling, and the health unit, as well as a number of pharmacists and community members directly touched by the problem.

Strachan and Pauline Perrault, chair and vice-chair of the group, said PAIN was seeking a treatment facility and aftercare counseling services for children under 16 years who have gotten caught up in the drug world. The number of young people using prescription pain killers and drugs like crystal methamphetamine is one the rise in the region, and it is next to impossible to get immediate help for them.

“There is nothing around for children under 16,” said Perrault. “If you do manage to find something, it’s going to take six months or a year to get in.”

Asked where in the district such a facility would be located, Strachan said it didn’t matter.

“Wherever the district decides to put it. If we manage to get a facility, it matters not to us where it is located.”

In addition to working to bring the needed services here, the group has called for increased police efforts to tackle the issue. It also offers direct assistance to parents and other relatives and care givers of youth who have fallen victim to addiction.

“We meet monthly to strategize on ways to promote awareness and assist parents who are dealing with their youth and addictions,” said Strachan.

‘PAIN’ petitions mailed off
By Heather Latter
Fort Frances Times Ltd.

FORT FRANCES—Members of Parents Against Illicit Narcotics (PAIN) have collected the petitions which recently were circulated across Rainy River District requesting the establishment of youth addiction services and increased drug enforcement in the area.
And with 1,632 signatures, the group is thrilled with the support from district residents.
“Certainly what we wanted to do with the petition itself was to find if we had the support of district people,” noted Hugh Dennis, co-ordinator of the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team.
“Obviously there’s a lot of support in the district for the request for help from the government,” he added.
The petitions, along with a cover letter signed by PAIN chairperson Sharon Strachan on behalf of residents of Rainy River District and letters of support, were sent off last Wednesday to the provincial government, including Health and Long Term Care minister George Smitherman.
Petitions also were to Jim Watson (minister of health promotion), Mary Anne Chambers (minister of children and youth services), Monte Kwinter (minister of community safety and correctional services), and Attorney General Michael Bryant.
“We are a diverse group of concerned community members in the Rainy River District that have come the realization that drug abuse is reaching epidemic proportions in our area,” the cover letter reads.
“Anecdotal information estimates that approximately 65 percent of youth in our district have used illicit drugs,” it adds. “The crime that results in supporting a $200-$1,000 per week habit makes it a community problem.”
They stress they want to reduce the social cost of drug abuse and its consequences for families, health, education, crime, and employment.
But since the area is faced with a gap in youth addiction services for counselling and treatment, there are waits of three-four months before youths can receive help.
PAIN not only requested the government ministries to help establish a youth treatment facility in the district, but also:
•specific youth counselling services;
•an integrated approach through local hospitals to ensure appropriate medical care for withdrawal management;
•local access to a comprehensive range of integrated methadone maintenance treatment services;
•a commitment to safer communities; and
•a larger role for the justice system in drug enforcement.
“Recognizing that this is an election period, we also sent a copy of the cover letter and letters of support to the eight candidates running in the Rainy River District—the four from Thunder Bay representing Atikokan and the four throughout the Kenora-Rainy River [riding],” Dennis indicated.
He said they’ve invited each local candidate to meet with members of PAIN to get their position on the request for help from the government.
“For example, the Liberals made an announcement last week that they have increased funding by $8.7 million for under-serviced municipalities or areas, and we are wondering if we are going to get any of that money if the Liberals are re-elected,” Dennis wondered.
And if the Liberals are not re-elected on Oct. 10, the group would like to know if the other parties would honour that commitment.
Members of PAIN met with local Liberal candidate Mike Wood last Thursday evening.
“I know it’s caught their attention,” said Dennis, noting he’s already got calls back from some of the candidates.
“Within 24 hours of the petition going out, we’re meeting with one of the candidates, so that speaks highly towards that we got their attention,” he remarked.
After next month’s election, the group plans to re-issue the petition to the government in power to see how it will help, or if the Liberals will give them some of the money promised prior to the election to bring resources, such as a treatment centre or counselling/education awareness services, to this area.
Dennis also indicated that although they currently are seeking assistance from the government to establish youth addiction services in the district, if one of the municipalities or areas from Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. decide a treatment centre is something they want to pursue, PAIN would be interested in helping them.
“District residents feel there is a need and if somebody runs with that ball, we’ll certainly do everything we can to offer assistance,” Dennis pledged.

By Ken Johnston
Rainy River Record

Parents Against Illicit Narcotics (PAIN) have received overwhelming support from the district to approach the Ontario government in search of youth addiction services in the Rainy River District.
In July PAIN circulated petitions across the region and last week collected and sent the 1,632 signatures to government representatives.

Services PAIN is hoping to get here would include: an intervention team, education, qualified youth addiction counselors, local psychiatric support, medical withdrawal management, a treatment center, parent and family support and aftercare services.

The petition also calls for increase drug enforcement at the street level and acting on child endangerment laws such as adults selling or giving children/youth drugs.

Substance Abuse Prevention Team Coordinator Hugh Dennis said that PAIN is very pleased with the strong showing by the public on this issue. The signatures along with a letter detailing the lack of and need for the services here were sent, along with two letters of support from the Fort Frances Chiefs Secretariat and Town of Atikokan, to Minister of Health George Smitherman, Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson, Min. of Children and Youth Services Mary Anne Chambers, Min. of Community Safety and Corrections Monte Kwinter and Attorney General Michael Bryant.

Dennis said that they only circulated the petition a short while so that they could put the information together and give each of the candidates running in the provincial election for the riding an opportunity to respond to the issue.

All of them have received copies and now PAIN plans to await the election outcome and work with whichever candidate wins to press the issue urgently.

According the letter PAIN sent to all the parties listed above 65% of the youth in the Rainy River District have tried illicit drugs. With no support agencies here to deal with youth addictions, many are having to travel outside the area to get treatment, often having to wait 3-4 months to get it.

Press Release
October 1, 2007 

Parents Against Illicit Narcotics (PAIN) and the Borderland Bicycle Club are partnering to host the Run for Recovery 7km Trail Run or 3.5 Hike for Health at Reef Point/Hopkins Bay Multi-use trail System.  The idea of the event was to find an activity to promote the interests of both groups.  For the Bike Club it is an opportunity to showcase the local trail system at Reef Point that is used by the club for mountain biking.   The event is being called the Run for Recovery to promote the efforts of the PAIN group by bringing awareness to youth substance abuse issues and the need for youth addiction treatment services in the district.  

The idea of a trail run and hike was considered to highlight the reality that recovery is not easy or smooth going and that people encounter and have to overcome many obstacles along their path, just as with a trail run.   The event also offers people the chance to take part in an activity that promotes wellness and healthy lifestyle choices, both of which are important for those in the recovery process or for those struggling with an Addiction. 

The date for the event is October 28, 2007 at 1:00 pm and people can wear their Halloween costumes if they dare.   There will be a small entry fee of $5 for participants, and for the fee participants can enjoy the challenge of running or hiking a well marked and groomed 7km trail for the runners and a 3.5 route for the hikers.   Recovery food will be available and participants have the opportunity to win several door prizes.  The Reef Point/ Hopkins Bay Multi Use trail system starts behind the Great Bear Gas Station 13 km east of Fort on Hwy 11. 

The following agencies and groups are sponsors or supporters of the Run for Recovery, Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition, Substance Abuse Prevention Team, Northwestern Health Unit Needle Exchange Program, Pharmasave, Riverside Community Counselling Services, Skates and Blades, The Great Bear, Road Id, Ken Boshcoff.

For more information contact Jeff Tilbury at Riverside Community Counselling 274-4807, check out the Borderland Bicycle Club webpage at http://borderlandbicycleclub.googlepages.com/home or pick up entry forms at Skates and Blades or Riverside Community Counselling Services. 

Strachan and Pauline Perrault, chair and vice-chair of the group, said PAIN was seeking a treatment facility and aftercare counseling services for children under 16 years who have gotten caught up in the drug world. The number of young people using prescription pain killers and drugs like crystal methamphetamine is one the rise in the region, and it is next to impossible to get immediate help for them.

“There is nothing around for children under 16,” said Perrault. “If you do manage to find something, it’s going to take six months or a year to get in.”

Asked where in the district such a facility would be located, Strachan said it didn’t matter.

“Wherever the district decides to put it. If we manage to get a facility, it matters not to us where it is located.”

In addition to working to bring the needed services here, the group has called for increased police efforts to tackle the issue. It also offers direct assistance to parents and other relatives and care givers of youth who have fallen victim to addiction.

“We meet monthly to strategize on ways to promote awareness and assist parents who are dealing with their youth and addictions,” said Strachan.


‘Families rule’ new focus to prevent substance abuse
By Heather Latter
Fort Frances Times Ltd.

To further their efforts to prevent tragedies in the area, the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team, and program co-ordinator Hugh Dennis, have a new project for the fall.
They will be focusing on distributing the pamphlet “Families Rule,” a family policy aimed to open dialogue between parents and children about drugs and alcohol.
“We need to get the message out there and emphasize positive change,” stressed Dennis, who discovered the pamphlet had been used in Renfrew County and could be applied locally.
“It fit what we were looking for,” he noted. “It includes both mom and dad, and even the younger children in the family, because we need to get them involved in the development of the policy early on.”
The family policy states every family has rules about alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. But when they are gathered together and written down, they become a family policy.
Dennis said by discussing the ideas in the pamphlet, a unique policy suited to any family can be generated.
The pamphlet stresses there is no right or wrong answer—the rules and consequences must be right for each particular family.
“The policy is one that is fair,” it adds. “The rules and consequences must apply equally to all family members, regardless of age or position.”
It also mentions that as the family grows and changes, the policy will have to be revised.
The pamphlet is broken into different categories, such as tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, medications, safe travel, consequences, and prevention.
Some of points presented include:
•the use of all tobacco is discouraged;
•no one in the family will get drunk;
•we will not drive while impaired by alcohol or ride with an intoxicated driver;
•the trafficking of illegal drugs by family members or guests in our home or in our vehicle is forbidden;
•we will only use over-the-counter or prescribed medications for therapeutic purposes;
•if any family member is called to provide a safe ride, day or night, they will do so promptly with no questions asked until everyone is sober and ready for responsible discussion;
•if any of the rules of this policy are broken, consequences will be determined when the individual parent or child has sobered up and will be based on the severity of the circumstances involved in the incident (the consequences may include “grounding,” removal of privileges, additional chores, making apologies, or restitution; and
•our family will pursue a variety of healthy, fun, satisfying, and legal activities, including sports, hobbies, family outings, and talking to each other.
The Substance Abuse Prevention Team hopes to get the pamphlets out to all families in Rainy River District, first by starting within the schools.
Dennis will be attending several of the open houses at local schools and the pamphlets also will be distributed in students’ report cards.
In addition, some groups the Substance Abuse Prevention Team funds already have received the pamphlets.
“We’re hoping to touch as many families as we can,” Dennis said, adding if even 10 percent of families fill out the policy, it will be worth it.
If anyone else in the district would like a “Families Rule” pamphlet, they can contact Dennis at 274-9827.
Meanwhile, the People Against Illicit Narcotics group (PAIN) is collecting the petitions that were distributed across the district throughout the summer to garner support to act on the problem of illicit narcotic and prescription drug use by establishing youth addiction services and increased drug enforcement in the area.
The province recently gave community-based addiction agencies a shot in the arm with the announcement of an $8.7 million increase to improve access to substance abuse services.

'Struggling To Find Me Again'
By Amanda Roy
Fort Frances Times Ltd.

Tara Tovey is a recovering drug addict, who has been sharing her story with other teens and the local community in an effort to help diminish the rising illicit narcotic and prescription drug use in Rainy River District.
This 18-year-old has stepped up and said “no” to the drugs, “no” to her constant, grueling cravings, “no” to her desires to party, and “no” to her once biggest weakness, OxyContin pills.
The task hasn't been easy for Tovey, but it has been possible—an inspiration for anyone truly wanting a clean lifestyle and new beginning.
“Hopefully others will see they can overcome this horrible disease and there is light at the end of the tunnel—it's a long, hard struggle but it's possible and worthwhile. All you have to do is ask for help,” said Tovey.
According to Tovey, her days of experimenting with drugs began in elementary school with the all-too common drug cannabis (more widely know as marijuana).
“Back in Grade 8, some of my friends and I would smoke pot with the older kids and back then I didn't think much of it because everyone was doing it,” she explained.
“Now though, I know that ‘pot’ was my gateway drug and is the gateway drug for many people,” added Tovey.
Eventually, Tovey became curious about what type of a high other drugs would bring her. This led to her trying more intense street drugs such as mushrooms, acid, cocaine, and many others.
“I've tried pretty much every drug I can think of except crystal meth,” she noted.
Around age 16, Tovey was introduced to prescription drugs that were beginning to circulate through the high school more frequently, and began using different opiates regularly at parties.
“At first, I'd only use on weekends and at a party, but it eventually became a habit because opiates are so addictive,” she said.
During the summer between Grades 10 and 11, Tovey was able to stop abusing opiates for a short period of time, the reason being, she still obtained a small amount of control over her body and mind.
She realized her drug use had become a problem and it scared her slightly. So she pulled the plug on it in an effort to reassure herself that she was in control of the situation.
“I look back and think that was a bad thing because basically, being able to stop like that allowed me to think I could do it all the time,” she commented. However, that wasn't the case at all.
“Now, I think the only reason I was able to stop for awhile then was because I wasn't using one drug in particular. I was mixing all the time,” she said.
What started-out as weekend fun eventually became her entire life by the time she turned 17. Worst of all, she had no idea it was a problem.
“By 17, I was using everyday because I figured I could just stop whenever I decided I wanted to, and that continued for about a year,” she explained.
Tovey's drug of choice was an opioid, OxyContin, which is a extended-release, pain-relief medication. The effects of oxycodone are similar to those of other opiates such as morphine, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and hydrocodone (Vicodin). It is described as being a “downer” drug which provides a relaxing high for users.
Users of OxyContin grow increasingly dependent upon its desirable effects until they are scrounging each day to find that next pill to get them by.
“I became so dependent on Oxy that it was the only drug I wanted,” Tovey said. “This drug took everything I love or anything that meant something to me away.”
Due to her constant drug abuse, Tovey's personal life began unraveling and people started noticing. At first she started dropping small responsibilities such as skipping cheerleading to go get high. Then it was her classes, followed by dance lessons and work. Eventually she dropped everything.
“I was kicked out of school because of my attendance record and my friends that weren't into drugs as hardcore as I was no longer talked to me,” explained Tovey.
“A lot of people started finding out I was using and the farther I got into drugs, the more people thought I was a burned out druggy loser.” she added.
“I'd take a pill so I wouldn't have to feel anything or deal with problems, but the problem was, this [OxyContin] made little problems, bigger problems.”
Tovey's family soon started to notice changes in their daughter and sister however, like many families, they were having a difficult time admitting to themselves that their child had a problem and pin-pointing the direct cause.
“People would come up to me at work and tell me she was on drugs, her brothers would hear things, but we would watch her closely and wouldn't be able to nail it,” Tara’s mother, Cathy Tovey, explained.
“When we would confront her about it, she'd lie and like most teenagers she was really good at it,” she added.
“I'd also wear a lot of makeup to hide what I looked like, stay out late and leave early,” Tara noted.
It was also challenging for the Tovey family to address the problem because at times, Tara wasn't acting much different than a typical teenage girl.
“I see a lot of typical 17-year-olds and really to me she wasn't acting a whole lot different than them, or my boys did at her age,” Cathy noted. “I just thought she was being moody because of teenage hormones. Plus, girls are always a bit more moody and challenging at that age.”
Tovey's turning point came back in March when she hit rock-bottom, didn't want to get out of bed, and was contemplating suicide.
“It took losing my job, being kicked out of school, losing the respect of everyone, my friends, and my identity for me to realize I had a problem,” Tovey declared.
“It's scary to think about it because it brings a sick feeling to my stomach, knowing at first you think you're doing it for fun and never could become addicted. Then you try and stop and you can't. Not having control over yourself is a sick thing.”
When her world came tumbling down, Tovey decided to go to the one person she knew would help her, no questions asked: her mom.
“I told my parents I was trying to quit but couldn't get up in the mornings without a pill and if I didn't have one I would cry, and cry, and cry, and I didn't know why I was crying,” she said.
“I told her there wasn't one day within the past year that I could remember not being high, and right away, my mom got on the phone and started getting me help,” added Tovey.
The first thing the family did was contact Jeff Tilbury at Riverside Community Counselling Services to ask him questions about how to proceed in dealing with Tara's disease.
“Jeff was amazing. He told us everything we needed to know: who we could contact, and what the process would be like before getting her into rehab,” Cathy Tovey noted.
“Without him, the process would be scary. That's why we need youth addiction and family support services right here in the district, because otherwise how are families and youths expected to get help,” she added.
“When she told us I was scared for her and it was devastating; the thought of losing my daughter made me hurt,” Cathy Tovey explained through tears. “I feel like we've been to hell and back now,” she added.
Although contacting Tilbury was the appropriate step to getting information and admitted into a rehab facility, according to Tilbury, Tara Tovey herself made the biggest and most important step on her own.
“She admitted she had a problem and sought help. That is the only way someone can be helped—if they come to the realization themselves,” Tilbury said.
“If my parents would have told me I had a problem and I was going to rehab, I wouldn't have gone because I needed to make the decision myself to go—you have to want to get better to get better,” said Tara Tovey.
Tovey has been on the road to recovery, leading a drug-free life now for four months. But she’s endured many ups and downs along the way, especially in the withdrawal process.
Initially, five weeks elapsed from the time she asked for help until a rehab facility had room for her. Five weeks was a long and painful period but in fact was much shorter than the originally proposed waiting period of a year.
“Any amount of time that goes by when a person needs help is too long,” said Tilbury.
“We were grateful she didn't have to wait a year. But as far as I'm concerned, a day is too long for an addicted person to wait,” echoed Cathy Tovey.
During the waiting period, Cathy Tovey took time away from work to stay by her daughter's side as she endured the horrible withdrawal symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, depression, hot and cold sweats, aches and pains, shakes and twitches, vomiting, and mood swings.
“The first bit was really tough because she would be up until 4 a.m. most mornings and some nights we would only get one hour of sleep, or she'd wake up every hour in a sweat,” explained Cathy Tovey.
“I used to say, ‘My body’s tired, but my mind isn't,’” said Tara Tovey.
The pair explained that while Tara waited to get into the Morning Star rehab facility in Kenora, she needed to be weaned off OxyContin before she could start the methadone program.
While Tovey was using, she claimed to be taking as much as 260 mg of the opioid a day, which Tilbury confirmed is a dangerously high intake level.
“I've had reports that some users in the community are doing up to 300 mg a day and at those intake levels, for an extended amount of time, it could be life threatening or at the very least, cause respiratory problems,” Tilbury noted.
While waiting, Dr. Elaine Spencer prescribed OxyContin in 60 mg doses for Cathy Tovey to administer to her daughter until she could be put on methadone.
Tovey spent eight days in Kenora attending daily group sessions and getting set up on the methadone program. She now takes a daily dose of methadone to help assist her during the withdrawal period.
Each morning, Tovey heads to Pharmasave where she is given a glass of orange juice mixed with a 130 mg dose of methadone, which is the balanced amount for her body prescribed by doctors.
The program is very controlled as recipients must drink their prescription in front of the pharmacist. If any is to leave the store, they must have a doctor's permission. It also has to be in a locked carry case at all times.
“The methadone controls the brain and helps to reduce the urge to use,” said Tilbury. “It is a completely safe program and causes no harm to individuals; some people stay on the program their entire life,” he added.
The program is expensive—it costs about $16 a day here—but it's nowhere near as costly as using, and comes without the detrimental health effects.
“While I was using, I was paying $1 per mg of OxyContin. It was costing roughly a $1,000 a week and I couldn't afford it,” Tovey said.
In order to pay for the drugs that would keep her functioning day in and day out, she would steal money or do anything she could to get another pill.
“I'd steal from the ones I loved, I used all my savings, and I'd use people to get what I wanted. But it was never me—it was the drug in me doing it,” said Tovey.
“If I were thinking clearly, I would've never have done those things. I wasn't brought up that way,” she added. “Drugs made me not care about anything.”
After returning home from rehab, Tovey spent most of her time re-bonding with her mom and canine companion, Sasha, while trying to reestablish who she is and what she wants in the future.
“My mom is my best friend and I'm extremely grateful for my family; they've been so supportive through this,” she said. “It's been really difficult because I don't have any friends. They all quit talking to me when I was on drugs.
“But now, I have my special friendship with my mom,” added Tovey.
Through everything, Tovey has also had to deal with the numerous rumours that have circulated about her and her drug use. The rumours have helped contribute to her decision to name herself, and become an example that others can learn from.
“Well, I just figure people should know I got help and they can, too. The rumours hurt, but I can't stop people from talking; all I can do is tell the truth. The truth is I'm getting better,” she noted.
Tovey was lucky she decided to get help before any long-term health problems resulted from her chronic drug abuse, but she didn't escape without a couple constant reminders. She's been left with anxiety and depression problems that she is currently seeing Tilbury for.
“I'm coping with it and it's getting better. At first, I couldn't be left alone because I'd freak out, but now I can stay by myself for short periods of time,” she explained.
“Through this, she has turned into a negative person whereas before she was always bubbly and smiling,” said Cathy Tovey.
But the Tovey family is confident they will get their positive and friendly girl back as they have already seen miraculous changes in her.
“We are working on it. She has come a long way since the day I dropped her off in Kenora. She looks a thousand times healthier now,” Cathy Tovey noted.
In September, Tovey is heading back to high school and hoping to graduate in the spring.
“I'm excited to see people again, but nervous at the same time because its going to be a challenge. I'm going to take it day-by-day,” said Tara Tovey. “I just want to make friends again.”
“I tell her to have faith because the kids and people who frowned at her before don't know her now; she's changed for the better,” said Cathy Tovey. “We just want people to understand she is trying and they should respect her because she is respecting herself now,” she added.
It's not a easy task to ask for help, admit you have done wrong, or ask for the forgiveness of those you've hurt, but that is what this brave teen is trying to do now.
“I'm sorry for what I've done to others and to myself. If anything, this entire experience has taught me a lot about myself,” Tara Tovey said.
“I'm very proud of her for asking for help, seeking it, and now putting her story out there to help others understand how drug use is a disease,” enthused her mother.
Tara Tovey's story will also be featured in the November feature of Cosmo Girl.
“I'm really excited Cosmo interviewed me and is going to feature this growing problem. Hopefully, it will make a difference,” she said.

MADD to bring its message to students
By Amanda Roy
Summer reporter