DRUG COURT TACKLES METH

Nashville can only be humbled at the daunting challenge facing its
acclaimed drug court as it tackles the methamphetamine user.

Gov. Phil Bredesen has announced that the state will use $1.7 million to
establish a pilot program for treating meth users in Davidson County's own
drug court. Nonviolent offenders from across the state will be treated in
the program.

Of course, the city should be immensely proud that state officials have
recognized the work of Criminal Court Judge Seth Norman and the drug court
he created with very little help from the city or state. Imitation is the
sincerest form of flattery.

The current drug court program boasts a success rate of 75% of its
graduates who are not convicted of another crime within five years.
Nashville's regular drug court won't have to sacrifice space since the meth
program will be an addition to the residential program.

Still, the confidence in the current program shouldn't fool anyone into
thinking it can succeed in the fight against meth addiction with the same
success it's shown in fighting some other addictions. Methamphetamine is
extremely addictive. Unlike cocaine, the makings of meth are far too easily
available from the corner drugstore. At Bredesen's urging, Tennessee
lawmakers have taken steps this year to limit the availability of potential
meth ingredients such as Sudafed.

Such provisions in the law will help, but it's working on the addiction
that will help the problem recede both for victims and Tennessee. Bredesen
wants the court to accommodate 30 meth users from around the state for two
years. His plan will need legislative approval: Lawmakers should have no
trouble recognizing the financial and human benefits of trying to salvage
these lives.

Norman is under no illusions about the struggles ahead with helping meth
users. But his willingness to address difficult addictions has been a
hallmark of his years on the bench. As Norman says, "You never know until
you try." As countless graduates of drug court can attest, he's the right
judge to make that attempt.