Talk of a new addiction treatment centre dominated the conversation during a CBC public forum Tuesday night.

Edith Townshend called for involuntary treatment for addicted youth.
(CBC)

The P.E.I. government has committed to creating a new residential drug treatment program over the next couple of years. It would offer 24-hour, seven-day-a-week programs for young addicts. Currently youth have to go out of province for addictions treatment.

Edith Townshend, who has 19-year-old son addicted to drugs, stood to say any facility needs to offer forced, or involuntary admission. Her son has been hooked for five years, and needs to be forced into help.

"They won't go in willingly. There's no way," said Townshend.

"When they're on drugs or drinking they don't have a mind. You know, they're not thinking right."

Three provinces currently offer involuntary admission, which on a judge's order can force a young person into a facility for 72 hours. The hope is that's enough time to allow a young person to be sober enough to make the decision to enter long-term drug rehabilitation.

Health Minister Doug Currie wouldn't commit to forcing youth into treatment.
(CBC)

Health Minister Doug Currie, who was on the panel for the forum, said the province isn't ready to commit to involuntary admissions.

"Voluntary care, I think we're looking around 30 days, somewhere around there," said Currie.

"I don't have all the data on that because we're looking at it right now. We need legislation and we're working that through the process."

About 200 people attended the gathering at Three Oaks High School in Summerside.