Pubdate: Sat, 06 Aug 2005
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2005 The Dallas Morning News
Contact:  http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Author: Jerry Epstein
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

SKIP THE FEAR TACTICS

What hope of rational drug policies do we have if fear-mongering 
politicians spew utter nonsense to the public and the media don't even 
bother to challenge them?

Contrary to the assertions of state Rep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, 
methamphetamine dependence is not particularly more or less treatable than 
alcohol, cocaine or heroin dependence. And most meth users give up the drug 
voluntarily. Government statistics for 2003 indicate that of the 12 million 
who have tried meth, some 95 percent had not used it in the past month. 
Even use in the "past month" is nowhere near a description of dependency.

Like all addiction, it will have strong links to mental illness, but Mr. 
Berman is not talking about correcting Texas' abysmal failure to provide 
adequate funding for mental health. He should label his legislation, "A 
Bill to Increase the Profits of Mexican Drug Cartels and Bilk the Taxpayers."

Jerry Epstein

Houston 
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MAP posted-by: Beth