Pubdate: Wed, 20 Feb 2002
Source: Daily Herald, The (UT)
Copyright: 2002 The Daily Herald
Contact:  http://www.harktheherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1480
Author: Tara Duggan
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

REPORT SHEDS LIGHT ON DRUG USE IN COUNTY

PROVO -- Utah County substance abusers prefer marijuana over 
methamphetamine, and they are more likely to use heroin than cocaine.

A recent report by the state Division of Substance Abuse shows that, 
despite Utah County statistics, throughout the state "meth" is the 
drug of choice.

"I think our rate is a little below the state average, but not a 
lot," said Dr. Joseph Miner, the director of the Utah County 
Department of Health. "We have lots of substance abusers."

Miner said methamphetamine is the fastest growing serious concern, 
although alcohol is the most commonly abused substance.

In both the state and the county, the majority of people -- 42 
percent statewide, 36 percent locally -- who received treatment for 
substance abuse last year did so as a result of alcohol addiction.

In 2001 in Utah County, 17 percent of people in treatment were there 
for methamphetamine, compared to 21 percent of the people who were 
being treated for marijuana.

Both state and local agencies have found difficulty in treating the 
large number of young women who are addicted to meth.

"One problem we find when treating women is finding a place to treat 
them when they have dependent children," Miner said. "We are working 
on a residential facility where they can get treatment and have their 
children with them."
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MAP posted-by: Josh