Pubdate: Wed, 10 Aug 2005
Source: Salt Lake Tribune (UT)
Copyright: 2005 The Salt Lake Tribune
Contact:  http://www.sltrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/383
Author: Kirsten Stewart
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

'SIGNIFICANT METH PROBLEM' IN UTAH

Utah Expert Says: "We Know What Needs To Be Done. We Need To Put More Money 
In Treatment"

When a crime trend hits the major newsweeklies, it's a sign it has either 
gone mainstream or run its course.

Methamphetamine's march through rural and urban America was dubbed a "new 
drug crisis" last week in a Newsweek magazine cover story, featuring 
graphic images of emaciated meth users and the scarred bodies of meth-lab 
burn victims. The article, which took aim at the Bush administration for 
largely ignoring the problem, has sparked outrage from columnists and 
bloggers debunking the so-called "epidemic."

But in Utah, which has wrestled with meth for years, experts say that 
debate does a disservice by either sensationalizing or downplaying the real 
damage inflicted by the drug.

"The reality is we do have a significant methamphetamine problem. But you 
can't blame law enforcement," said Luciano Colonna, executive director of 
the Harm Reduction Project in Salt Lake City. "We know what needs to be 
done. We need to put more money in treatment."

Last week, Colonna briefed aides of U.S. Health and Human Services 
Secretary Mike Leavitt on research linking meth injection to the spread of 
HIV and hepatitis. Also, on Aug. 19 and 20, Colonna will host those who are 
seeking to contain the spread of meth at a national conference, which will 
feature the latest in research and treatment techniques.

Once a problem confined to Western mountain states, crystal meth is making 
inroads east. A form of speed that is smoked, snorted or injected, meth is 
potent and has a long-lasting effect. It appeals to soccer moms, 
blue-collar workers, gay professionals and club hoppers alike.

"A problem is not a problem until it hits Chicago, New York and Miami, and 
guess what? Meth has hit there," said Patrick Fleming, Salt Lake County's 
substance abuse director.

According to a survey of 500 law enforcement agencies in 45 states, 
conducted by the National Association of Counties, 58 percent cited meth as 
their biggest drug problem, dwarfing cocaine (19 percent), marijuana (17 
percent) and heroin (3 percent).

"People are scared," said Fleming. "I had a treatment provider from another 
state call and say, 'You can't treat this stuff.' I told him, 'Yes, we can, 
and what other choice do we have?' "

Contradicting the county survey, however, are reports by the Drug 
Enforcement Administration and National Survey on Drug Use and Health 
showing meth seizures dropping and meth use flattening.

A crackdown on meth trafficking by Utah police appears to have paid off, 
with declining arrests and meth laboratory busts. But the drug continues to 
be imported from Mexico and Canada.

Utah meth use continues to soar, with 3,448 addicts reporting it to be 
their drug of choice in 2000, compared to 5,486 in 2004.

Colonna stresses, however, that treatment works. He blames meth's grip on 
the fact that treatment options are limited and too expensive for people 
who lose their family and livelihoods to their addictions.

The Bush administration isn't solely to blame, said Colonna, noting that 
the U.S. Congress is voting on a bill that would spend $17 million on law 
enforcement, $7 million on prosecution and $3 million on treatment and 
research.

"We live in a society where people want quick fixes. But we can't arrest 
our way out of this," said Colonna. "It's clear that 'Just Say No' messages 
and focusing on reducing supplies and not demand don't work."
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MAP posted-by: Beth