Make meth a higher priority

Deseret Morning News editorial
Published: Thursday, July 7, 2005 9:44 a.m. MDT
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A new national report says methamphetamine-related arrests in Utah doubled last year. It's a highly troubling distinction considering that Utah and Arkansas were the only two states where meth-related arrests went up 100 percent over the past 12 months, according to a National Association of Counties survey.

Methamphetamine use hit epidemic proportions seven years ago and remains a No. 1 problem for Utah law enforcers. It's a particularly vexing problem because it is so highly addictive, readily available and cheap. Abusers will sacrifice every worthwhile aspect of their lives to get high, whether it's their children, their relationships, their health, their financial security or their self-respect. When they decide to enter treatment, it can take years to get clean, if ever.

In Utah, methamphetamine is a scourge in that it overwhelms law enforcement, child welfare and the substance-abuse treatment centers. It's becoming a greater problem for law enforcement across the country, according to the National Association of Counties survey. Fifty-eight percent of the police agencies said meth was their largest drug problem. Eighty-seven percent reported increases in meth-related arrests the past three years.

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Yet, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in recent years, has placed a higher priority on marijuana enforcement. That approach has some merits considering the potency of marijuana has markedly increased in recent decades and law enforcers are seeing more of it. But the federal response — and resources — need to more closely coincide with what municipal and county law enforcers are experiencing in their communities.

This is not to minimize the impact of marijuana use. It is clearly a gateway drug. But police say its effects are not as far-reaching as those of methamphetamine. As Sgt. Ryan Atack, head of the Salt Lake City police narcotics squad told the Deseret Morning News, "We don't see families torn apart. We don't see the violence. We don't see the robberies and the burglaries.

"Meth is definitely worse on society than (marijuana)."

On the state level, the Utah Legislature's commitment to provide partial funding for the Drug Offender Reform Act is a heads-up investment in reducing methamphetamine use. The program will channel more resources toward drug rehabilitation programs such as drug courts, inmate evaluations and treatment. Full funding of the program is very pricey but the personal toll of addiction is immeasurable. It is hoped that the Legislature can make a greater commitment to this program in the future.

For now, Utah's on the right track in attempting to deal with its meth problem. Hopefully, the federal government isn't far behind.

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