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In Canada studies have been conducted by CCSA, The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, which relay the following rather alarming facts regarding addiction to drugs or alcohol. Approximately 4,000 or 2.9 % of Prince Edward Islanders are binge drinkers, who regularly consume a harmful amount of alcohol and are dependant on alcohol. The same studies indicate that 0.6% or 800 Prince Edward Islanders are dependant on illicit drugs.
In Prince Edward Island someone in need of immediate help with his/her addiction can be admitted to the detox facility with as little as a one or two day waiting period. This stay usually lasts between three and seven days. This solution only provides up to a one week’s reprieve from a life long problem. In order to be admitted to one of the government sponsored residential programs one must first appear in person to have an assessment done and then be recommended to one of the facilities where there is an average of a two to four week waiting list, and one must have been abstinent from all drugs and alcohol for at least one week to be admitted.
Being that Prince Edward Island is a province but at the same time it is an isolated Island community this means that depending on where a person lives they may be required to travel some distance in order to receive addictions services, for example there is only one withdrawal management facility on the entire Island.
In summary, there are approximately 4,800 Prince Edward Islanders in need of detoxification, intervention, and drug rehab or alcohol rehab programs, coupled with ongoing after care. There is 1 Detox facility and an additional 4 residential facilities each of which can accommodate approximately 40 addicts bringing the total number of available Government funded beds to approximately 160 beds to be divided amongst the 4,800 that need treatment. Of the 5 facilities located in Prince Edward Island 2 are out patient programs that offer very little support to alcoholics and addicts. There is scarcely enough treatment to make a serious dent in the current addiction problem plaguing this province.
All statistical info can be researched at: The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
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