STATE RAISES 'METH' ALARM

LANSING, MICHIGAN Whether it is used to get high or to lose weight,
methamphetamine abuse is more common in Michigan, according to state
officials who announced a plan Monday to combat its spread.

The Department of Community Health, state police and the Michigan Women's
Commission will play roles in publicizing the drug's dangers.

"Tolerance to this deadly drug builds rapidly, requiring higher and higher
doses to achieve effects," said Community Health Director James Haveman.

"Some users become addicted after only a few times of use. Withdrawal can
produce severe depression, agitation and anxiety. Suicide is a major
concern for methamphetamine users.

"Because the use of this potentially deadly drug affects everyone close to
the user--family, friends and co-workers--we are determined to raise
awareness on the dangers of meth use."

One form of methamphetamine is Ecstasy, known as a "club drug" because of
its popularity at dance clubs and raves, or underground parties. In late
March, police arrested two Big Rapids men and seized nearly 400 Ecstasy
pills from them.

Authorities also are concerned about methamphetamine's potential for abuse
by adolescent girls and young women wanting "to become as thin as the
models and actresses they see on television and in magazines because of its
side effect of appetite suppression," said Michigan Women's Commissioner
Joyce Watts.

The Department of Community Health will distribute brochures and sponsor
radio ads warning of the dangers of methamphetamine abuse.