Anti-alcohol program grads encourage band's stability

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After one month of alcohol and drug abuse treatment, O'Chiese reserve band members successfully finished a mobile treatment program on August 5.

The unique program is designed to treat abusers by literally going into their homes and working directly with clients.

Program Coordinator and Nechi Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counsellor Emile Ward noticed a difference between treating people in institutions as compared to dealing with them in their home environments.

Though he deals with addiction problems daily at Poundmakers, Ward said: "When you come to the reserve, you see the problem and experience with the people you're trying to help."

For one week, participating band members agreed to stay in a camp set up on the reserve. They were then allowed to return home in the evenings, returning daily for treatment.

Ward stressed the support of the extended family members at home was essential. Out of 33 people that entered the program, five did not finish it.

"It was harder for some of the people in the program to stop drinking because alcoholism was still very prominent in their homes," he stated.

Chief Theresa Strawberry first saw the need for treatment when she realized she was an alcoholic.

"The reserve wasn't accomplishing any of its objectives. We would apply for project funds, thinking this would solve all of our problems. But, we were wrong. Money isn't our problem ? alcohol is."

Strawberry entered Poundmakers and was soon followed by band councillors and members. But, the problem could not realistically be stopping by sending people to Poundmakers individually. So, the decision was made to try the mobile treatment program on the reserve.

A firm belief in an alcohol and drug free reserve also prompted a band resolution, which states the chief and council must be substance free at least six months after beginning a term.

Strawberry noted a high percentage of the deaths that occur in O'Chiese are alcohol related.

Director of the Nechi alcohol and drug abuse treatment centre Maggie Hodgson said the Alexis and Kehewin reserves are showing intersted in the program. But, she points out that at least one year of preparation is needed to start it.

The graduates of the successful O'Chiese program will now participate in a 30-day after-care treatment program to discourage relapses.

The highs and lows of the people in the program were all recorded on video and will air at the O'Chiese reserve or Nechi. The O'Chiese reserve is located about 69 km northwest of Rocky Mountain House.