Pubdate: Tue, 23 May 2006
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2006 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)

NEW FACE OF METH

Those "before" and "after" mug shots of meth users that are seen on 
billboards and posters offer visual proof of the physical toll of 
addiction. But how often do observers take an Alfred E. Newman "What? 
Me Worry?" approach to the problem?

As pilots have learned, sometimes it's good to replace a visual 
approach with a more scientific system. Let the horrifying mug shots 
continue to impart warnings, but here are a few statistics about the 
problem in Washington state, starting with an encouraging trend but 
followed by more troubling numbers:

. According to an Associated Press story, the number of meth labs in 
our state has decreased from a high of 1,890 in 2000 to just 806 last 
year. This decrease is traced to new laws banning over-the-counter 
sale of some medications and other ingredients used in manufacturing meth.

This trend carries with it an environmental benefit. Meth labs, even 
small ones, pose a severe threat to neighborhoods, soil content and 
groundwater resources. Toxic substances and residue remain during and 
after the manufacture of methamphetamines.

. The percentage of meth in Washington state that comes from beyond 
state lines has grown from an estimated 50 percent in 2001 to 75 percent.

So, not only has the meth problem grown, but more of it is moving 
menacingly up and down Interstate 5 and other arteries.

. The amount of trafficked meth seized statewide by the Washington 
State Patrol's drug unit has increased from 101 pounds in 2001 to 400 
pounds in 2005.

. The number of people treated by the state for meth addiction has 
grown from 7,7096 (6,379 adults and 717 teens) in 2004 to 8,489 
people (7,669 adults and 820 teens) last year.

. The statewide number of meth-involved deaths grew from 176 in 2002 
to 257 last year.

So the demise in meth labs in our state is more than offset by the 
worsening of other aspects of this scourge. A more compelling 
attitude than Alfred E. Newman's would be that of state Attorney 
General Rob McKenna. Typically not one to exaggerate, the state's top 
law enforcer calls meth "the biggest problem to ever hit the state, 
period. The addicts are still addicted, and the traffickers are 
simply stepping in to meet the demand. We need to meet with the 
addiction issue as well as the crime issue."

One of the leaders in the legislative vigilance has been U.S. Rep. 
Brian Baird, particularly in the area of federal funding for state 
and local enforcement and treatment in the war against meth. Efforts 
by McKenna and Baird are crucial, but will have little effect unless 
the general public understands meth's devastation. Part of that 
understanding includes knowing that the decrease in the number of 
statewide meth labs only forces the demon to change his costume. 
Whether the destructive force is homemade or imported doesn't really 
matter to the subjects of those "before" and "after" photos.

We are evolving from a self-sufficient meth-addicted society to a 
target-rich environment for international traffickers. Spread the word. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake