Pubdate: Thu, 05 Aug 2004 Source: Oak Ridger (TN) Copyright: 2004 The Oak Ridger Contact: http://www.oakridger.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1146 Author: Associated Press Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) STATE GETTING $17.8M TO HELP METH ADDICTS NASHVILLE - Tennessee will receive $17.8 million in federal funds to expand access to drug abuse treatment, especially for those addicted to the illegal stimulant methamphetamine, Gov. Phil Bredesen said Wednesday. "Our state is struggling with a serious substance abuse problem," Bredesen said. "This federal funding will provide additional resources that will be critical in combating meth and drug abuse in general." The money will come from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand the state's network of licensed alcohol and drug treatment providers. Tennessee is one of 14 states to be awarded funds in the latest round of the "Access to Recovery" grants. During the next three years, the state Department of Health will receive about $5.9 million a year for the project. Methamphetamine, which affects the central nervous system, is produced in clandestine laboratories across Tennessee using relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients. The drug has been on the rise in recent years. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration estimates that Tennessee accounts for 75 percent of meth lab seizures in the Southeast. Clients will be screened through drug courts, local health departments and authorized treatment providers. Participants must submit to random drug and alcohol screens. A portion of the funding will go to rural communities, some of which are hard hit by meth and other drugs and offer limited access to treatment. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin