A pilot program aimed at helping people shake their addiction to drugs and alcohol has so far been a success.
Ingrid Overbeek, regional manager of mental health and addictions programs for Northern Health, told Prince Rupert city council on Sept. 9 that the adult day program has helped people change their lives for thebetter.
"We have had people come back and talk to us about getting their children back and not being back in jail, so it has had long staying benefits," she said, noting the program is designed to be easily accessible to people in need.
"The program is eight weeks, but intake is continuous so people can come at any time ... for Prince Rupert, we know a lot of people to be seasonal or shift work and may not be able to attend the whole eight week program, so the modules are set up so that people can come and go but still get the benefit from it."
The program does not require residency stay, but people can be transferred to residency as needed. And, said Overbeek, people do not to prove sobriety or stability for any period of time to be able to access the help they need.
"The entry is designed to be low barrier ... the only requirement is to be sober the day you arrive. We have had people show up intoxicated and asked them to go home, but please come back. If they show up at all, we see that as a good first step," she said.
Meetings take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and organizers are looking at possible ways to use technology to connect with and offer support to others in outlying villages.
For more information on the program, visit the Northern Health offices in the Ocean Centre Mall or call 250-622-6310.