Pubdate: Tue, 30 Oct 2001 Source: Bluefield Daily Telegraph (WV) Copyright: 2001 Bluefield Daily Telegraph Contact: http://www.bdtonline.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1483 Author: Troy Sarver Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?186 (Oxycontin) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy) TOWN MEETING TARGETS NARCOTICS RICHLANDS, Va. - Six months ago Shannon Smith was fighting a drug addiction that was creating an uncertain future for her. Today, however, the 22-year-old Richlands native has recovered and is actively seeking a nursing degree. Smith's story is just one of many successes that have resulted from a combined effort of Tazewell County law enforcement and medical personnel over the past year. With Smith in attendance, these officials gathered for the third of a series of town meetings on Monday night at Richlands Middle School. The town-meeting format, which was previously held in Tazewell and Bluefield, Va., was designed to answer the questions of concerned parents and citizens dealing with drug abuse at the local level. "This started off with the OxyContin epidemic. That was the driving force behind this," said Jane Peay, Director of Substance Abuse for the Cumberland Mountain Community Services Board. She added, "this has evolved. A lot has helped especially law enforcement and additional treatment options coming into the area." One of the individuals spearheading the law enforcement effort is Dennis Lee, Tazewell County Common-wealth's Attorney. Lee stated he's confident that the OxyContin epidemic is fading, but there is still the threat of new drugs hitting the area in the future. "With OxyContin we've hopefully seen the worst of it. Through the efforts of law enforcement we're seeing a decrease, but it's persistent," stated Lee. "We want the community to be aware of the drugs we see on the horizons. Ecstasy and club drugs are in Richmond and could come this way." Whatever direction the drug usage problem goes in the future, Smith hopes that people will not give up on those addicted. "City officials sometimes look at them as criminals, but I look at them with compassion," said Smith. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth