Methamphetamine. It has been a major player in the drug culture and in the
media for at least half a decade. Almost every newspaper in the country has
done an in-depth series on meth and its effects, this newspaper included.
It's a drug that has made huge impact everywhere.

You can believe what you want about America's war on drugs, pro or con, but
almost everyone must agree that illegal drugs can easily become the ruin of
a life. And one of the best ways to avoid the traps drugs can lay for you
is through education. The more you know about a drug's ingredients, effects
and dangers, the easier it is to make a choice.

Instead of burying their heads in the sand in total denial or acting like
methamphetamine is just another piece of the drug landscape, the Faulkner
County Sheriff's Office and local police departments are making a special
effort to reach out to the county and educate us about methamphetamine.
These entities are sponsoring a series of meetings -- seminars you might
call them -- to teach people what meth looks like, what it's made of, how
it's used and what it does to the body.

No high-tech lab is needed to create this drug, and the ingredients can
pretty well be found around the house. You shouldn't be surprised if a lab
is found next door to your home. They are turning up all over, more every
year. It was revealed last year that Faulkner County was way up on the list
of Arkansas counties for meth-related activity and arrests. This drug is a
leading cause of abuse and crime in the county, and residents need to have
an understanding of what is out there.

Meetings have already been held with excellent attendance at UCA and in
Greenbrier. A lot was learned and many myths were dispelled. The people who
attended emerged better armed to deal with methamphetamine if it should
enter their lives or if it already has.

Meetings are scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 23, at Vilonia High
School, 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday, July 26, at Mayflower High School. Please
make a point to attend.

The challenge presented to law enforcement authorities by methamphetamine
is huge, but having a knowledgeable public can help them in the battle.