VANCOUVER - The British Columbia government is boosting funding for addictions research and treatment in the province, with money going towards testing of a drug that can block the effects of heroin and alcohol.
Health Minister Terry Lake says the additional $3-million investment in research and training will make such a program the largest in North America.
Dr. Evan Wood with the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/Aids says part of the money will fund clinical trials, including one that involves Vivitrol, a monthly injection already used in the U.S. to treat opioid and alcohol addictions.
Funding will also go towards training family doctors, nurse practitioners and addictions-care providers on how to better treat patients suffering from substance abuse.
Earlier this year, the province introduced a new stabilization unit at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver to treat those with severe mental illnesses or addictions.
The move came after Vancouver's mayor and the police chief called for help to deal with a dramatic rise in police calls involving those with severe mental health issues or substance abuse.