Methamphetamine Addiction Rehab Centers Fort McMurray, Meth Detox Treatments Fort McMurray, AB

In Fort McMurray, they have problems with many drugs, but crystal meth isn’t the drug of choice. A new report aiming to deal with meth addiction in the province may lead to more drug-treatment services in the region. The report issued Tuesday by the province’s task force on meth is calling for 100 more detox beds in Alberta to provide short-term support for addicts to get off drugs.

The report singles out Fort McMurray for more services, something that comes as welcome news to Ann Hurley, the executive director of Pastew Place, the local meth detox center. I think the recommendations of the task force were right on the money, she said. Currently, Pastew Place has 16 beds available but has funding for only 10 of them. We turn people away all the time, Hurley said, noting the center is often at full occupancy.

If the province follows through on the recommendations, the center would likely be able to open those six other beds, Hurley said. When that will happen is unclear, though, since Alberta’s health minister has been emphasizing the costs of new beds. While each bed costs roughly $100,000, Iris Evans said the province has little choice but to take action. What’s the alternative if you want to get rid of crystal meth? I think we’ve got a real responsibility to act on the data, she says.

While meth isn’t the drug of choice here, the problem has been growing, Hurley said. Coralee Rahn, the area supervisor with the local Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission ( AADAC) office, said recent statistics showed five per cent of its clients said they had used meth in the last year.

When asked how often he sees people fail at meth treatment through AADAC's programs, he said he sees it happen every day. More beds and resources available would help to ensure that more people are successful. But there is always the option of private methamphetamine detox center or meth rehab treatments. Those, although more costly, have very little waiting lists. They can provide the treatment the person needs for their addiction. We can help find the right type of meth detox or meth rehab for the person.