FINALLY, GOOD NEWS ABOUT METH

McDowell may finally be getting a reprieve from all the bad meth
publicity. A yearlong state grant will provide 300 to 400 drug addicts
and their families with free treatment.

McDowell has received funding to create a methamphetamine-specific
treatment program working in conjunction with the county's Department
of Social Services and ARP/Phoenix, a mental health and substance
abuse treatment center. Officials say it's a welcome service in a
county that's placed atop the state for the past two years in the
number of meth lab busts. "(The program) is comprised of a team of
agencies in McDowell County working to improve the sobriety, safety
and stability of individuals and families involved in methamphetamine
use," said a brochure about the program. "Any person(s) using or
making methamphetamine and their families are eligible to receive services."

Levi Gardner, a substance abuse counselor and the program's director,
stated that anyone can refer an individual for an assessment. He added
that the treatment is not limited to meth users. Those who are
addicted to cocaine, opiates, methadone and other stimulants may also
receive assistance. Those who are accepted will undergo 14 weeks of
primary care and 36 weeks of aftercare. The treatment includes both
individual and group sessions. "It's an abstinence-based program," the
director stated. The service started a few weeks ago, and Gardner said
there's been a good response thus far.