METH'S DAMAGE DOESN'T END WITH THOSE WHO USE IT

Much has been written and discussed in recent years about the
problems of methamphetamine addiction and the cottage industry of
production that goes along with it. We who live in the Valley, the
meth capital of Alaska, are, perhaps, more aware than most of the
devastation wrought by the epidemic.

What may not be fully understood yet, though, is how thorough and
far-reaching that devastation can be. This is no personal drug that
affects only users. The fallout from the use and production of meth
endangers many and exacts a toll on taxpayer-funded community
resources, such as family services, public health, law enforcement
and emergency services.

The borough's chief of emergency services, Dennis Brodigan, in
describing the insidious nature of the meth problem here in Mat-Su,
said “the tentacles just go and go and go and go."

In our current online poll, we ask readers “Have the use and
manufacturing of meth in the Valley affected you either directly or
indirectly in the last year?" Nearly a full third of respondents
have answered yes. But it's not hard to imagine the percentage
is higher when the full scope of the meth abuse is considered.

The epidemic brings the potential of hazardous exposure to unwitting
residents who live near a working meth lab or spend time in a place,
such as a hotel room or apartment, where a portable meth lab has
operated. The cost of cleaning up such sites falls to
taxpayer-funded entities like the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Property and fraud crimes associated with meth continue to victimize
law-abiding citizens. And because of the strain already placed on
law enforcement and the judicial system, such crimes stand a greater
chance of going unsolved or unprosecuted.

Perhaps saddest of all is the profound effect of meth's scourge on
the most innocent among us - children. Recent meth-lab busts in the
Valley have discovered young children living in this toxic and
dangerous environment. Exposure alone poses a greater threat to
children than adults. But the risks hardly end with exposure.

Given the culture that attends meth use and the drug's affect on
libido, children who live in functioning meth labs are much more
likely to be sexually abused. Neglect appears to be the least that
can be expected, although the emotional and social problems it can
spawn make it nearly as sad.

Too much lip service has been paid in recent months to addressing
the problem. Lots of those in positions of power have acknowledged
it, but few have taken meaningful action against it. In one
high-profile legislative example, personal politics
trumped responsible public policy, and a good common-sense
bill with broad support was never allowed to proceed to a vote.

Absent good judgment at the state level, Valley residents are
fortunate to have representing them on the borough assembly several
caring people who are working toward a local solution. As
discouraging as it was that the proposed ordinance that appeared on
the October ballot was defeated, assembly members continue their work.

It is up to the rest of us to encourage them. By increasing our own
awareness and not living our lives as if the meth problem doesn't
affect us, we are already part of the solution.