Pubdate: Wed, 15 Sep 2004 Source: Oak Ridger (TN) Copyright: 2004 The Oak Ridger Contact: http://www.oakridger.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1146 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) OUR VIEW: 'METH' NEEDS LEGISLATORS' FULL ATTENTION And so it grows. We continue to be concerned with the growing threat of methamphetamine. And, now it is reported the drug's destruction of families in Tennessee is on the rise as the state predicts it will take about 750 children from parents involved with "meth" this year. That translates to about 150 more meth-related child removals this year than in 2003. Due to all of the media coverage surrounding meth, most probably know methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant cooked from a recipe that includes toxic household and workplace products and cold tablets that contain ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The clandestine labs - sometimes set up in kitchens - are potentially explosive and produce sickening vapors. With well over 1,000 meth labs cleaned up in Tennessee last year alone, the Volunteer State now has the dubious honor of being home to three-quarters of the meth labs in the entire Southeast. Several state legislators lamented the General Assembly's inability to do more to combat the growing methamphetamine problem during its last session. Citing other major issues needing to be addressed, the "meth problem" took a backseat to other legislative considerations. However, with the latest information on meth's attack on our state's family units, the upcoming year should be the year legislators move this issue to the front burner and keep it there until some relevant solutions are found. A task force appointed by the governor has recommended limiting the availability of products used to make the drug, tougher penalties and expanded treatment for addicts. The governor is expected to push these measures in the General Assembly and we support his efforts. All of these measures - and others - need to be implemented if we are to get a handle on this growing state problem. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager