Pubdate: Mon, 17 Sep 2007 Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer (WA) Copyright: 2007 Seattle Post-Intelligencer Contact: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/408 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) METH EPIDEMIC - A HELPFUL MESSAGE When the meth epidemic hit Western states in the 1990s, there was a lot of confusion, ignorance and even misinformation. One of the biggest, most discouraging myths was that meth addicts were untreatable. National drug czar John Walters brought an important, more hopeful message to Seattle last week. He said that while many people continue to believe meth addiction is untreatable, research has shown otherwise. We can't help but like the congressionally funded "life after meth" program that Walters was touting here, one of eight states targeted because of high rates of abuse of the drug. The photos of real people who have fought and overcome meth addiction are both an inspiration and a reminder of the dangers the drug can pose to anyone. Effective police and prosecutorial work remain critical to dealing with meth addiction. Addicts don't often seek and stay with treatment just because they noticed the drastic social, health and personal problems created by the drug. As one former addict told the P-I, arrest and treatment was the best money the public could have spent for him. In this state, drug courts have been very helpful in encouraging treatment. A 2001 paper for the King County Prosecutor's Office noted there's typically at least a 12-month program before defendants "graduate" from drug court and have charges dismissed. The office found researchers repeatedly have concluded "drug court participants commit new crimes at a significantly lower rate." Participation even without graduation seems to help. Meth remains a huge challenge for society and individuals. But treatment is a real option. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek