Pubdate: Sun, 11 Jan 2004
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2004 The New York Times Company
Contact:  http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author:Cody Lyon

A NEW DRUG EPIDEMIC

To the Editor:

Re "Across Rural America, Drug Casts a Grim Shadow" (news article, Jan. 4): 
While it may be true that methamphetamine, better known as crystal meth, is 
proving to be a scourge on lower-income rural America, it should also be 
noted that it is wreaking a bit of havoc in certain affluent urban 
communities as well. Crystal is readily available and used frequently by 
well-heeled partygoers across the world.

It could be argued that the crystal meth epidemic is the manifestation of 
those people, regardless of income or location, who are seeking more 
effective drug experiences, even though this particular experience is quite 
destructive. This new epidemic, like the crack scourge in the 80's, is a 
symptom of deeper-lying social issues and problems.

Cody Lyon, New York, Jan. 4, 2004
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