REGULATING DRUGS

Suzanne Wills, Drug Policy Forum of Texas

Dallas -- Columnist Steve Chapman is exactly right in his analysis of the
current meth hysteria ("The latest drug crisis, again," Commentary, Aug.
7). "America's most dangerous drug of the week is methamphetamine, better
known as crystal meth."

Meanwhile regulated (legal) methamphetamine hydrochloride, called Desoxyn
by the manufacturer, is sold to children for attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder and to adults for obesity apparently without incident.

From the 1930s until 1965, amphetamines were fairly easy to obtain. They
were popular with college students, truck drivers, shift workers and those
who wanted to lose a few pounds. They were abused by a few "speed freaks."

The federal government removed many pharmaceutical amphetamine products
from the market in 1965. Demand for the drugs remained strong. The market
answered with meth.

Incarceration has never reduced demand for drugs or the problems associated
with an illegal market. What is needed is comprehensive regulation.