Those who run a facility in St. John’s which caters to the marginalized say they have a new phenomenon on their hands.

They have noticed a big increase in the number of people addicted to drugs, which may not come as a surprise.

Joanne Thompson, the executive director of the Gathering Place, told VOCM On Target St. John’s with Linda Swain that addiction issues started to become significant about four years ago.

Moreover, the number of women with addictions issues surprised even them. Thompson says about 65 per cent of their clientele are male, 35 per cent female.

Most of the men are over 50 and have been through the system, showing all the signs of a tough life. Most of the women are younger—over 26—and many have addictions issues.

As a result, she says they live precarious lifestyles and have significant health issues. Harm reduction supports are necessary.

Thompson says they hadn’t seen this level of addiction in so many women before—it’s a new phenomenon.