Live-in drug rehabilitation centre closes

By JON STOKES

Today marks the end of an era for James Kolose, who has been delivering guidance to Auckland's drug and alcohol addicts from a humble converted state house in West Auckland for 11 years.

Mr Kolose blamed Government funding cuts for forcing the 12-week drug and alcohol rehabilitation programme at Blockhouse Bay's Argosy House to close its doors.

He returned from holiday this week to learn he and five other staff at the centre no longer had jobs.

"I'm in shock. We have fought for years to keep this place open - taken pay cuts, been closed and re-opened - now it's all over."

The softly spoken Samoan, himself a former Argosy client, said it was sad to see a service which had helped thousands close.

"It's a loss to the community and our clients. Clients from all walks of life - Maori, Pacific Islanders, Pakeha - from school teachers and lawyers to rubbish collectors and the unemployed," he said.

Government funding agencies favoured lower-cost out-patient programmes over live-in treatments, Mr Kolose said.

"Residential treatment offers clients a safer environment to deal with some major issues.

"They can deal with their addiction away from the temptation and distractions of an at-times dangerous home environment."

He questioned the timing of the closure, with the centre experiencing a surge in methamphetamine-addict patients.

"We have seen big increases in the number of P users and multiple addictions in the last few years.

"It is a very sad day for many of us."

The Auckland District Health Board, which funds Argosy House, said the centre chose to end its contract with the health board.

Board spokeswoman Megan Richards said Argosy terminated the contract because the centre's director had resigned.

She rejected claims that the closure was due to funding cuts.

Argosy has made alternative arrangements for seven people currently in the programme. Three will be transferred today to other programmes and four will continue to be cared for by three staff in two nearby houses attached to the centre.

All treatment will cease at the end of next month, when Argosy's contract with the health board expires.

A former Argosy client, Warren, credits the centre with saving his life.

"I would have been in the gutter, or in jail, or dead, if it wasn't for this place," Warren said.

He did a 12-week programme six years ago and has gone on to gain a tertiary qualification and now works in drug and alcohol support.

"I was devastated when I found out it was closing. It's basically people sitting behind their desks playing with people's lives.

"People dealing with addiction need abstinence and a safe place to clean up.

"That's why they come here."

Argosy House will hold an open day for former staff and clients today.