Meth fight deserves support

Deseret Morning News editorial
Published: Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006 8:49 p.m. MST
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Methamphetamine is an insidious drug. Young mothers, especially, might take it to lose weight or for a boost of energy to help them deal with their many demands. Many users take the drug not fully comprehending its highly addictive nature.

Before long, methamphetamine has overwhelmed every aspect of their lives. Their No. 1 priority becomes getting high. They unwittingly sacrifice everything to achieve that end — their health, the well-being of their children, their relationships and their jobs. These issues tend to spill over into the public arena. Methamphetamine addictions result in heavier burdens on human services programs, the judicial system, the prison system and substance-abuse treatment providers. It can also imperil emergency service workers who bust or clean up meth houses.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has made methamphetamine treatment and awareness a key point in his budget proposal for the coming year. Huntsman has recommended spending $5.1 million a year (half from Medicaid) to place 600 more women in treatment programs. Priority would be given to those involved with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services. Huntsman also has recommended $2 million for a statewide meth-awareness campaign, initially targeted at women of child-bearing and child-rearing age.

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This proposal makes sense on many levels. Many people underestimate the addictive qualities of methamphetamine. Some young women who take meth to lose weight or to boost their energy become unwittingly ensnared in addiction. A public awareness campaign is sorely needed.

For those in the grips of addiction, there is a significant need for treatment. For every treatment slot presently funded, there are four women waiting in line. According to the state Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, treatment admissions have increased 170 percent in the past 15 years but have declined 5 percent for men during the same period. Of the women presently in drug treatment, about two-thirds have children.

Huntsman envisions using some of the new money to build residential treatment centers in southern and northern Utah. He seeks an additional $2 million to get 477 more people into drug court, with the goals of discouraging drug users from turning to methamphetamine.

Lawmakers certainly have the resources to fund this initiative next, and they should because methamphetamine is a scourge on individuals, children and communities. A substantial investment in treatment and awareness would help to change the course of lives and curb the intense demands on public resources.

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