PEARCE, DOMENICI WARN OF METH DANGERS

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE -- U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M.,
delivered a strong anti-drug message to young people at the White
Sands Missile Range Child Development Center last week to kick-off
Red Ribbon Week. U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., joined Pearce in
the event to warn young people of the dangers of drug use, in
particular methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine is an illegal drug that is sweeping the United
States. Methamphetamine or "meth" is a synthetic drug that stimulates
the central nervous system. The drug's euphoric effects are similar
to those of cocaine, but with much longer-lasting effects.

Pearce told about 80 young people in attendance how using meth would
keep them from achieving the things they want for their future, such
as becoming a doctor, an astronaut or owning a home.

He also talked about what methamphetamine will get them by showing
them before and after photographs of methamphetamine users. The after
photos showed users with open sores on their faces, wrinkles and some
without teeth.

Speaking about Pearce's slide presentation Cami Marlin, 10, said it
was scary to see the faces of the people who use methamphetamines.
"After seeing that, I don't want to do drugs," she said.

Pearcesaid that methamphetamine is so addicting that once someone
starts using it they are almost immediately hooked on it.

"Methamphetamine will get you arrested. It limits your capability to
think and act. It will cause you to do things you don't want to do,"
Pearce said.

Methamphetamine can be found in a variety of forms including pills,
powder, and chunks. Common street names for meth include "crank,"
"speed," and "chalk." Pure methamphetamine hydrochloride -- the
smokable form of the drug -- is called "ice," "crystal," "glass" and
"quartz," due to its clear, chunky crystals. The drug can be smoked,
snorted, swallowed, or injected.

Pearce told the young people that there is no rehabilitation from
meth other than detoxifying. The best defense, he said, is to never
start. "Don't let your friends encourage you," Pearce said.

Pearce also told the young people they can educate their friends and
neighbors about the dangers of manufacturing and using methamphetamine.

"No one is too old or young to learn about the dangers of
methamphetamine. Protect your friends and family," Pearce said.

The first Red Ribbon campaign was organized in 1986 by a grassroots
organization of parents concerned about the destruction caused by
alcohol and drug abuse. The red ribbon was adopted as a symbol of the
movement in honor of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, an agent with the U.S.
Drug Enforcement Administration who was kidnapped and killed while
investigating drug traffickers. The campaign has reached millions of
children and has been recognized by Congress.

"Red Ribbon Week is a chance to be visible and vocal in our desire
for a drug-free community," said Sandra Class, the missile range's
substance abuse coordinator.

"Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and
other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and
consistent in their opposition to substance use and abuse."