Pubdate: Sat, 12 Mar 2005
Source: Marshfield News-Herald, The (WI)
Copyright: 2005 Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2236
Author: Charlotte L. Rasmussen
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

EDUCATION IS KEY TO WARN ON DRUGS

Editor: On Feb. 23 Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) chaired a hearing in Madison. 
This brought together leaders in law enforcement, drug treatment, pharmacy 
and consumer healthcare to testify about the serious problem rural areas of 
Wisconsin are experiencing with the increase in use and in meth. 
(methamphetamine) labs found in wooded areas.

As a member of the pharmacy examining board, I am aware of over-the-counter 
products that are used to make meth. After attending this hearing I want to 
share some of the information.

The first to testify was a doctor from Chippewa Falls. She stated how 
deadly the drug is to the addict and how the body reacts to the use of 
meth. A few things that happen: You'll hallucinate that people are after 
you; you literally cook your organs, body fat and muscle; teeth will turn 
yellow, gray or black or fall out; you'll pick at imaginery bugs crawling 
under your skin; your body odor will smell bad. Detox takes 90 days, the 
desire to get high never leaves.

Law enforcement personnel testified to the increase of crime in western 
Wisconsin. The problem is moving east and south. We also have had had an 
increase in crime and arrests in Clark County.

There are things lawmakers can do to slow meth production. Over-the-counter 
products used to make meth (pseudoephedrine) should be required to be kept 
in a restricted area. Require all purchasers show a photo ID and have a log 
for them to sign so there is a purchase history. There should be a three 
package limit per month. This type of control in other states has slowed 
the production of meth.

Education is key in schools to educate young people this drug is different 
and deadly. A program with pictures. The before use and after use is a 
powerful visual tool.

CHARLOTTE L. RASMUSSEN

Public member

Wisconsin State Pharmacy Examining Board

Stanley 
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MAP posted-by: Beth