Pubdate: Thu, 25 Jan 2007
Source: Helena Independent Record (MT)
Copyright: 2007 Helena Independent Record
Contact:  http://helenair.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1187
Author: Jennifer McKee,  IR State Bureau
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

REPORT: METH USE DECLINING

HELENA -- Methamphetamine use in Montana seems to be declining, a new 
report shows, although the social costs of the addictive drug remain 
very high, costing the state about $10 million a year.

"We have a long way to go," said Attorney General Mike McGrath, who 
unveiled the report Wednesday. "This doesn't mean we've necessarily 
turned the corner, but we're certainly going around the bend."

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug "cooked" from some cold 
medicines and a laundry list of other ingredients. Compared to other 
drugs, meth is relatively new, but quickly gained foothold in Montana 
in the last 15 years and now plays a major role in Montana crime and 
has pumped up costs of the state's social welfare and correctional systems.

In recent years, however, both lawmakers and private people have 
tried to get a handle on the drug. Beginning in 2005, the privately 
funded Montana Meth Project began airing graphic television, radio 
and billboard ads driving home the unglamorous realities of meth use.

Software entrepreneur Tom Siebel bankrolled the project to the tune 
of many millions of dollars. Late last year, Seibel announced a $5 
million matching grant to the program which will match donations made 
by other businesses.

In 2005, lawmakers passed a package of new laws aimed at better 
treating meth-addicted criminals and going after some of the raw 
ingredients of meth.

All those efforts seem to be paying off, McGrath said.

Ninety-three percent of Montana middle and high school students now 
say using meth is a "grave risk," according to the report.

McGrath attributes that figure directly to the Montana Meth Project.

"There are things in the media that would give kids the impression 
that maybe cocaine has some glamour," McGrath said, or marijuana and 
alcohol. But there is nothing suggesting meth is glamorous and the 
Meth Project ads drive home how unpleasant a meth addicts life can 
quickly become.

Meth use and meth-related crimes also appear to be on the decline. 
Workplace drug testing shows a 73 percent drop in the number of 
people testing positive for meth, the reports shows, and the biggest 
state decline in the nation. Teen-agers also report a drop in their 
own meth use, down from 13.5 percent of all teens using meth to 8.3 
percent today.

Drug tests on criminals charged with drug possession also shows a 
drop in those testing positive for meth. In 2005, 56 percent of all 
such criminals tested positive for meth. In 2006, that figure dropped 
to 25 percent.

Additionally, the meth related crimes dropped by 53 percent in 2006 
after increasing for years.

The number of drug labs is also declining, the report shows. In 2006, 
15 meth labs were found in Montana. Since last October, not one has been found.

McGrath attributes that to the difficulty of buying meth's main 
ingredient, cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine.

But he said meth has not disappeared, it's likely just coming into 
the state from someplace else.

While it is difficult to catch a drug trafficker, McGrath said, it's 
still positive that Montana has fewer meth labs, which are 
environmental and fire hazards and are unsafe for children.

McGrath said he expects the numbers of teens who use meth will 
continue to fall as younger kids exposed to the Montana Meth ads at 
an earlier age become older and are more likely to be offered the drug.

The report was preliminary, McGrath said, adding that a final report 
will probably take another year of work. But the early results are 
very promising.

"It does indicate an early trend," he said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman