By Corey Fischer

Addictions Treatment In Vernon Showing Success

Dec 11, 2017 | 7:05 AM

The addictions treatment centre run by the John Howard Society in Vernon is building a strong track record of success.

Bill’s Place has been open for five years, and has seen 182 clients come through.

Staff say 32 percent of those have been able to stay sober over a six month period, far higher than the BC average of nine percent.

Pictured: Brad Houghton, John Howard Society, Addictions Services Manager

Addictions services manager Brad Houghton says having an open- ended program is one reason for that, with no set time period to complete it.

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“One of the other things is we focus on the symptoms of chemical dependency. We don’t use fear or guilt as motivation . They are horrible motivators. But instead we tell people they are worth being healthy and happy, and then you can see that flame of hope start to build,” Houghton tells Kiss FM

The facility on 43rd Avenue treats men and women for drugs, alcohol and gambling addictions.

It started accepting women in October, which Houghton says has gone well.

It was named Bill’s Place after John Howard Society leader Bill Hesketh.

The society has just opened a ten bed sober living home next door to Bill’s Place to help clients reintegrate into the housing market.

by Corey Fischer