Winnipeg advocates say follow-up care needed in drug detox facility plan

Manitoba has officially passed a new bill allowing people intoxicated on drugs to be detained 72 hours. CTV’s Joseph Bernacki gets reaction to the changes.

Joseph Fourre spent 40 years battling heroin and crystal meth addiction, finally ending up homeless. He knows the way drug usage can consume a person’s life.

“I wish during the height of my addiction, you know, somebody would have stepped in and said, ‘you know what, you need some help and we’re going to give it to you,” Fourre said.

The founder of Singing Red Bear Foundation is concerned the planned detox centre at 190 Disraeli Freeway is a great entry point to treat addiction, but does not go far enough into the root causes.

“My biggest fear is that after 72 hours, people are going to be released and go back and hurt themselves even more,” Fourre said.

This follows the announcement from the province passing Bill 48 which allows people on drugs like meth to be detained 72 hours, up from the previous 24.

Read More: Drug detention facility to be up and running in two weeks: Manitoba premier

Fourre said he is worried the detox centre won’t be able to help everyone living with addiction. He said it feels like a harm reduction strategy with a lack of a recovery plan.

“A mental psychosis can last up to five to ten days, so what’s going to be in that facility,” Fourre said.

However, Premier Kinew said the new facility with 20 beds to start will bring a more humane, dignified approach to treating addiction.

“It’s going to be somewhere where somebody who’s causing problems on drugs can be taken so that they’re not in the emergency room waiting room,” Kinew said.

“They’re not at the bus stop. They’re not bugging you while you’re trying to go to the grocery store.”

Greg Kyllo, executive director at Bruce Oake Recovery Centre said the new facility is a much-needed addition in a province lacking detox infrastructure.

“Meth induced psychosis is a reality in our city and this is definitely going to help when that presents itself beyond 24 hours and care can be made available,” Kyllo said.

Kyllo said having care beyond detox is critical for helping people overcome their addiction. If not – he warned health outcomes can be severe. He said success depends on the individual’s self-determination following detox.

“We’re a 16-week program, so someone could go from a facility like this to come to Bruce Oake and be here for four months to help make the changes and rebuild their lives,” Kyllo said.

The executive director said space for drug rehab facilities is at a premium right now. Their facility is currently at full capacity.

Premier Kinew said their provincial detox facility is expected to open in two weeks and will expand upon the initial 20 detox spaces with another 20 in the new year.