Salvation Army tackles crystal meth problem

By Jack Krayenhoff

Rhiannon Porcellato, program director for Beacon of Hope House, a Salvation Army ministry.

Beacon of Hope House is located in the manse of St. Saviour's Anglican Church in Victoria West, and it has room six male addicts, each with his own bedroom. Two staff members are on duty at all times, so that supervision is continuous, and clients are not allowed outside without accompanying staff.

The Salvation Army hopes to have a similar facility for females within eighteen months.

Program director Rhiannon Porcellato told CC.com she expects crystal meth addicts will make up most of the clients.

Crystal meth, she said, needs special attention because it differs from other drugs in several ways. It is easily produced, cheap and readily available, and it also leads to quicker and more permanent brain damage than other drugs.

Crystal meth dealers also specifically target youth; it is not unusual for children as young as nine to start on it. Accordingly, said Porcellato, admission to Hope House will be limited to youth aged 13 to 19. Beyond that age, the possibility for permanent recovery from the addiction quickly becomes slimmer, but if treatment starts early, there is good hope that a kid will go back to school and finish it, get job training and become reintegrated into society.

Crystal meth is highly addictive, said Porcatello -- take it two or three times, and chances are a kid will be hooked. The drug produces a tremendous "high", during which the user feels superbly confident and competent. He believes he is the best car thief in the world, or that no one is able to catch him as he breaks into homes or businesses.

People on crystal meth are not the ones lying in a corner with a blanket, said Porcatello. They are constantly active, moving, talking to people, and can go without sleep or food for up to 10 or 12 days. Once they crash, they may sleep for days on end.

Treatment at Hope House consists of counselling, both one-on-one and in groups. Residents are trained in life skills, including communication skills, budgeting and working with computers.

There is a workshop in the basement, and Porcellato said she hopes to find volunteers who will teach woodworking there. People from the community willing to visit and act as mentors will be welcome, too. "We want the kids to feel the community cares about them", she said. "It will make a big difference when they try to become productive members of society again."

Porcellato said she also hopes to offer counselling and support for the clients' families.

Residents are also invited to take part in the daily devotions and Bible studies. "We are aiming at the whole person here", Porcellato said. "Our approach is holistic".

Hope House is a trail-blazing venture. Until now the residential drug addiction facilities of the Salvation Army always were geared for adults, but this is the first one aiming at youth.

Porcellato said she is keenly aware of the need to look to God for success. "We have seen this project come together by the hand of God," she said. "Each step of the way there were people who said, 'This is impossible, this won't happen.' But it did!"

April 19/2007