Pubdate: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY) Section: In My View Copyright: 2005 Messenger-Inquirer Contact: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285 Author: Gov. Ernie Fletcher Note: Ernie Fletcher is governor of Kentucky. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) WE MUST FIGHT METH ABUSE EPIDEMIC IN KENTUCKY Recently, I met a man from western Kentucky named Charlie. Charlie's life revolved around a powerful vice that is gripping many Kentucky families and the communities in which they live. Methamphetamine use and manufacturing is sweeping the commonwealth. It is easy to purchase, highly addictive and cheap to manufacture. From 1998 to 2004, the number of meth labs discovered in Kentucky increased by 3,000 percent, from 19 to 579. In the past two years, nearly 150 children have been in the presence of labs. Labs have been found in 89 of our 120 counties. The first time Charlie made meth, he purchased all of the pseudoephedrine tablets available on a store's shelf, and no one questioned him. Pseudoephedrine, commonly found in over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines, is the key component in meth production. Charlie told me how methamphetamine devastated not only his life but also the lives of those around him. People will do the unthinkable for this addiction, even hurt those they love. But Charlie's story is one with a silver lining. Today, Charlie is making positive steps toward recovery. He is doing well and looks forward to sharing his experiences with other meth addicts. Most addicts, however, are not as fortunate as Charlie. Meth destroys a person's physical and mental well-being. It causes dramatic weight loss, anxiety, hallucinations, and manic depression, all of which can lead to suicidal tendencies. Long-term health problems may include increased risk of stroke and heart attacks. Our administration recognizes the severity of this problem and has launched a comprehensive strategy to combat this epidemic. Senate Bill 63, sponsored by Sen. Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), would effectively address the meth crisis spreading across the commonwealth. Senate Bill 63 would restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine tablets to pharmacies, limit the amount customers could purchase to 9 grams -- which is about 300 pills -- within a 30-day period and require identification and a signature for the medication. We have seen the impact of similar legislation in states across the nation. For example, Oklahoma began regulating pseudoephedrine in April 2004. Consequently, the number of meth labs has been virtually cut in half. Senate Bill 63 would also make it a felony to endanger children's lives by allowing them to be in the presence of meth production. Penalties may range from one year to life in prison, depending on the extent of the child's injuries. In addition, Senate Bill 63 would allow law enforcement officers the ability to arrest individuals if they are in possession of the necessary items for meth production. Like Charlie, this legislation marks a positive step toward recovery. I hope you will join with me in support of Senate Bill 63. I urge you to call your local state senator and state representative to ask them to support this effort to break the cycle of addiction and restore hope to Kentucky families caught in the perils of methamphetamine dependence. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth