Addictions specialist calls La Loche alcohol management program a ‘bold strategy’

It was announced late last week that the government-run liquor store in La Loche was being closed for two weeks to try to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

The community in the far north has been battling an outbreak as the number of cases rises daily.

The La Loche council passed a resolution on Thursday that alcohol sales be closed and the province agreed.

There have been concerns that young people and those struggling with addictions have still been socializing and not following public health guidelines to physically distance and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.

The province is setting up an alcohol management program that includes addiction supports and managing withdrawal.

Dr. Peter Butt, an addictions consultant for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, says management and not cutting off alcohol completely is key.

“They may revert to non-beverage alcohol, such as hairspray or hand sanitizer — or you’ll increase the amount of bootlegging that’s coming in,” said Butt.

Butt says health officials are arriving in the community this week to offer supports.

“As long as people are getting the services they need in addition to the alcohol, (the approach) is not just let them drink and ignore them,” he said. “It’s around how do we stabilize people?”

Butt calls the move to close the liquor store and offer the alcohol management program a bold strategy.

“It came from the community,” he said. “It wasn’t something that was imposed upon them, so I say more power to them. Let’s see how it works and maybe others can learn from it.”