Pubdate: Fri, 25 Aug 2006
Source: South Bend Tribune (IN)
Copyright: 2006 South Bend Tribune
Contact:  http://www.southbendtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/621
Author: James Wensits, Tribune Political Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DRUG CZAR SEES DRUG USE DECLINE IN TEENS

Roundtable Discussion Presented Here.

SOUTH BEND -- National Drug Control Policy Director John P. Walters 
credited state laws restricting access to methamphetamine ingredients with 
helping to reduce drug use by teenagers, but said at a Thursday news 
conference that much work remains to be done.

Walters was invited here by U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola, R-2nd, and 
participated in a roundtable discussion on drug policies, the role of the 
courts and methamphetamine use in Indiana.

Superior Court Judge Roland Chamblee, who oversees the county's drug court 
program, and local police and prosecutors also participated in the 
roundtable discussion, which was held at the County-City Building.

"Substance abuse is not a victimless crime," said Walters, who noted that 
the person using drugs and everybody around them "becomes a train wreck, 
sooner or later."

Walters claimed an overall reduction in drug use by teens, and said the 
administration is trying to attack the problem by reducing both supply and 
demand.He credited Indiana and other states that have restricted access to 
over-the-counter sales of cold medicines containing ingredients used to 
make methamphetamine with having a dramatic effect on reducing access to 
the drug.

Walters has served as the nation's so-called "drug czar" since 2001. In 
that role, he coordinates all federal drug programs.
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