Special Report

Message in a Bottle

A Yukon News investigation into the territory's addiction to booze

After the government announced a new report on alcoholism would be delivered in the spring, the Yukon News launched its own investigation into the territory's chronic alcoholism. For eight weeks, six reporters and two photographers fanned out to explore the issue from several perspectives. They produced 14 stories that show the problems and solutions are well known. What's lacking is action. It's time for that to end.

Championing our down-and-out

Dr. Jeff Turnbull gives drunks booze. He also gives them shelter, meds, meals and 24-hour access to doctors and nurses. The president of the Canadian Medical Association was in the Yukon this month to talk about health-care transformation. Nov 26 » by Genesee Keevil (5 Comments)
What is alcoholism?

Being addicted to alcohol doesn’t make you an alcoholic, said Neal Berger, executive director of The Cedars at Cobble Hill treatment centre in Vancouver. Aug 02 » by James Munson (0 Comments)
Treatment doesn’t cure, it’s but one step on a long road

Lila Corcoran has been sober for more than 20 years. The Watson Lake resident went through the Yukon’s live-in treatment program in August of 1989, back when the program was called Crossroads. “The treatment centre doesn’t cure you, it more or less gives you the tools to work with,” she said. Aug 02 » by Chris Oke (0 Comments)
Entering the maze-like Sarah Steele treatment centre

The Sarah Steele building might be the most well-used government space in the Yukon. The structure, which is only slightly larger than the standard Copper Ridge home, provides a 28-day inpatient treatment program. Aug 02 » by Chris Oke (0 Comments)
The first step is through the Last Door

Returning to your small, northern town as a recovering alcoholic or drug addict is a tough battle. Many fall back into the same peer group, the same habits they had before they left for counselling and detoxification. Aug 02 » by Larissa Robyn Johnston (1 Comment)
FASD remains a heavy price of boozing

When it comes to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, there’s one thing everyone can agree on – an expectant mother who drinks while pregnant can irrevocably damage her unborn child. Aug 02 » by James Munson (0 Comments)
First Nations seek to heal the mind, body and spirit on the land

Nora MacIntosh has been waiting for this moment for months. “I’m sober,” she says, crediting the newly-opened Jackson Lake Land-Based Healing Centre north of Whitehorse. Aug 02 » by James Munson (0 Comments)
Once upon a time, alcoholics had a home, of sorts

High-risk alcoholics can sack out for the night at the Salvation Army shelter, go to the hospital or find themselves dumped in the RCMP drunk tank. Aug 02 » by Chris Oke (0 Comments)

Focus on the child, banish the booze

‘This is my fourth time up here and you still haven’t gotten your act together,” said Fraser Mustard, jabbing his finger at Liberal Leader Arthur Mitchell and independent MLA Brad Cathers. Aug 02 » by James Munson (0 Comments)
A problem beyond liquor

Your average street alcoholic might not be juiced on booze at all. Sometimes they’re high on simple mouthwash sold at any pharmacy or grocery store. Aug 02 » by Larissa Robyn Johnston (1 Comment)
Sick minds often find solace in a bottle

People struggling with depression or schizophrenia often turn to alcohol and drugs to self-medicate. “It’s a vicious cycle,” said mental health worker Rae-ann Dalgleish. Aug 02 » by Vivian Belik (0 Comments)
Out of justice and onto the street

Joe gets out of jail on Saturday afternoon on a conditional release that demands he be home by 9 p.m. But Joe doesn’t have a home. And Social Services is closed for the weekend. Aug 02 » by Genesee Keevil (0 Comments)
A solid solution is shelved and ignored

Would Raymond Silverfox be alive today if the government had acted on a report published seven years ago? It’s impossible to say, but the probable answer is yes. Aug 02 » by John Thompson (0 Comments)
In Alaska, housing keeps addicts clean

Rosalie Nadeau compares addictions counselling to cancer treatment. When you can catch people in the early stages of alcoholism and drug use the cure rate is high,” she said. “If it’s later on, it’s real trouble.” Aug 02 » by Vivian Belik (0 Comments)
A tidy shelter keeps ‘em clean and sober

Want to help Whitehorse’s homeless, hardcore alcoholics? Forget about another government study, says Judy Lightening, the manager of the Salvation Army’s emergency shelter. Aug 02 » by John Thompson (0 Comments)