Several addictions programs will become fully operational across Prince Edward Island this fall, including detox programs for inpatients and outpatients, programs for problem gamblers and smoking cessation programs.
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem advised today that inpatient detox services will become fully operational at the provincial addictions facility September 5. Inpatients will continue to be admitted to the Summerside and Souris facilities until September 4. After that, all regions will offer outpatient detox services. Day detox programs will be available seven-days-a-week in Souris, Montague, Mount Herbert, Summerside, and Alberton.
The minister advised that outpatient detox services in the Queens and East Prince regions are now meeting with initial success. "The primary objective of the outpatient program is to reach people at earlier stages of their addictions," said the minister. "The program is working particularly well for women, youth and those who find it difficult to enter inpatient programs because of other responsibilities such as children, school or employment."
The development of the new gambling treatment program has now been completed. Over the summer, new gambling counsellors will be hired and existing addictions staff trained to assist in the implementation of gambling treatment services. Programs will be available in the fall both at the provincial facility and in the health regions for those addicted to gambling and for families affected by gambling addictions.
Individuals experiencing gambling problems will be assessed in the health regions to determine the level of gambling treatment they need, and then referred to either an inpatient or outpatient program.
Clients in the outpatient gambling treatment program will continue to live at home while they take part in the day and evening treatment schedule. It is expected that the majority of clients will require the outpatient treatment program.
A fifteen-day inpatient program will be available for people who demonstrate more intense symptoms such as an inability to stop gambling, cross-addictions, severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or potential criminal activity.
Smoking cessation programs will also be delivered in each health region to assist people wishing to break their addiction to nicotine. "Smoking is one of the most powerful addictions there is, and I am pleased to advise that we will be treating it that way," said Minister Ballem. A variety of programs are now being explored such as individual and telephone counselling, self-help and group programs to assist Islanders who are trying to quit smoking.