Alcohol Treatment Program in Chatham-Kent, Ontario
Chatham-Kent is a relatively large city just east of Detroit on the Canadian side of the border in the province of Ontario. It is uniquely capable of enjoying the benefits of services provided by both Canada and the United States, though problems with drunk driving remain a perennial issue in the area. Nonetheless, teenager alcohol abuse rates are low (though issues still are present).
Chatham-Kent is home to adequate though waning service standards that should be monitored to avoid reversal of current trends in the region.
General Situation
Chatham-Kent is found near the border with the United States, just across from Detroit. Being located in the province of Ontario means it is under the regulative control of the province, and thus restaurants and other businesses must obtain a liquor license in order to legally provide alcohol to customers. Offences related to alcohol are strictly punished, with recent new laws providing for stronger enforcement approaches.
Chatham-Kent enjoy a lower than average alcoholism rate, though drunk driving incidents are higher than average across the province. Recently increased punishments for drunk driving have not has a noticeable effect on these problems in the area, suggestions punishment as a treatment is not an effective long term approach.
Teenage Alcohol Problems
Teenagers in Chatham-Kent are on average statistically less likely to abuse alcohol than teenagers in other regions of the province. Despite this, problems do exist, and the relatively low level of alcohol abuse threatens to cause reduced funding for preventative programs. Vigilance is required to maintain the current low rates of alcohol abuse, and a focus on prevention and education rather than punishment is expected to produce the best results.
Chatham-Kent has thus far escaped the trends of increased alcohol abuse in teenagers, but this fact should not lead to relaxed attention to the subject. Increased services and facilities will only help to solidify recent improvements and positive trends. There is also problrems with teens with drug addiction. Most drug rehab centers in Ontario will address both alcohol and drug addiction.
Driving While Impaired
Drunk driving offences in the region of Chatham-Kent are notoriously high despite strict enforcement. Additional educational programs and efforts should be considered to ameliorate this issue. In addition, programs cooperating with law enforcement areas might consider a further focus on prevention rather than punishment, since recent stricter law enforcement has failed to yield results in this area of the province.
Treating Alcoholic Addictions
Chatham-Kent has seen successes in the treatment and service of alcohol – related problems. With its proximity to the United States, its support structure and network are uniquely suited to providing for these needs. Alcohol treatment in Ontario continues to focus on punishment rather than education and prevention, arguably the most obvious area for improvement.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatham%E2%80%93Kent,_Ontario
http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2611675