Pubdate: Thu, 26 Aug 2004
Source: Helena Independent Record (MT)
Copyright: 2004 Helena Independent Record
Contact:  http://helenair.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1187
Author: Allison Farrell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

MONTANA METH USE A 'TRAGEDY'

HELENA -- Some 85 percent of the inmates in the Montana women's 
prison are there, at least in part, because of methamphetamine. At a 
Missoula drug treatment center, 90 percent of the women who enter the 
program are dealing with a meth problem and nationwide, 50,000 people 
under the age of 21 have died from substance abuse since Sept. 2001, 
officials report.

Montana needs to do something about these statistics, Gov. Judy Martz 
said Wednesday during a conference on the state's methamphetamine problem.

"This is one of the hottest topics in Montana right now," Martz told 
the group of about 30 officials and cabinet members assembled in her 
reception room. "This affects state government in a broad way."

A recent survey of the perceived meth problem in Montana, which was 
released during the conference, shows Montanans strongly favor a 
statewide public awareness campaign.

Montana should also look to other states for ways to clean up the 
toxic waste associated with fly-by-night meth labs as well as 
designate a lead agency for environmental cleanup of these labs, the 
survey reported.  Methamphetamine can be manufactured in mobile labs, 
such as a hotel room or car. Sometimes, the drug is made in abandoned 
mobile homes or in houses where children and others live, officials report.

Officials say the use of anhydrous ammonia, a fertilizer, produces 
toxic byproducts that can be dangerous to the environment and humans.

"There was a feeling that Montanans are aware of the issue," said Jim 
Koppel, a consultant for the National Crime Prevention Council. "But 
they see it as isolated to a certain population. They don't 
understand a meth lab could be opening next door."

Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant drug that strongly 
activates certain systems in the brain, according to the National 
Institute on Drug Abuse, a branch of the National Institutes of Health.

While meth is closely related to amphetamines, it has a greater 
effect on the central nervous system. Street methamphetamine is 
referred to by many names, such as "speed," "meth," and "chalk."

Methamphetamine hydrochloride, which looks like clear chunky crystals 
of ice, can be smoked and is referred to as "ice," "crystal," "glass" 
and "tina."

The National Institute for Drug Abuse reports that nationally in 
2003, 6.2 percent of high school seniors had reported lifetime use of 
methamphetamine. Lifetime use was measured at 5.2 percent of 10th 
grade students and 3.9 percent of eighth-graders.

"I don't think we can overestimate the impact of methamphetamine on 
Montana," said Gail Gray, director of the state Department of Public 
Health and Human Services. "The biggest tragedy is what happens to children."

Some of the other recommendations that came out of the survey include 
regulating the sale of certain over the counter cold medicines needed 
to manufacture the drug, finding effective treatment measures and 
protecting children in drug-endangered environments.

State Attorney General Mike McGrath called the recommendations 
"excellent" and suggested that the state help communities find local 
solutions to fit their diverse needs. Currently, work is under way to 
launch a statewide "Meth Watch" program at the local level, said 
Chuck Butler, Martz's spokesman. He said some of the recommendations 
that came out of the survey might also be turned into legislation for 
the 2005 Legislature to consider.