DRUG TRAFFIC MAKES VICTIMS OF ALL

Cocaine, meth and marijuana are three parts of a health and safety problem
that make victims of all of us, not just the people directly involved in
the use of these outlawed drugs. All three reach into Hamilton County,
costing each and every resident.

Extra costs include law enforcement, public health and losses due to theft.
There is also time and productivity lost at work and, in the case of
families with children, money spent on a useless, horrible habit that could
be keeping a roof overhead and putting food into the mouths of children.

Methamphetamine, or meth, is easy to make out of items that can be found in
many stores and homes. It is highly addictive; one recent article reported
that a new user feels the effects of a "hit" within seconds and started
craving "the next hit" only seconds later.

Likewise, cocaine provides a quick high and one that is addictive.

Local experts say that cocaine is the current most-abused drug in Hamilton
County, but meth is creeping in. Both drugs can become expensive habits for
users, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars a week. Because they are so
addictive, the craving for them is overpowering and people steal money or
merchandise to pay for the habit.

Both drugs are mentally and physically addictive. Mental problems and
serious physical problems can result from their use and put another strain
on the already-overburdened public health care system.

Marijuana is considered by many as a more "recreational" drug, something to
be used to feel good, like a beer but with a different high. One problem
with marijuana, though, is that when used, it impairs judgment and reaction
times, and people who use it shouldn't drive or be in any situation
requiring acuity. It has been described as a mood altering drug, and people
who use it might not be in total control of their emotions.

A problem with all three drugs, and many other substances, is that they are
illegal to buy, sell and possess. Anyone having them in Indiana is, by
definition, an outlaw, and much of the money used to buy drugs goes back to
outlaw elements of society that have no respect for persons.

Police agencies have a tough job enforcing the laws about drug use. They
take special measures and have special procedures, including the use of
drug-sniffing dogs. They fly over us in helicopters to find growing marijuana.

It is important that anti-drug laws be enforced. The cost to society from
drug use can be more expensive.

It is important that parents and those working with young people stay
involved with them to help them learn how to make decisions against using
drugs.

The other thing we all can do is support the efforts of groups that try to
educate all people about these drugs and their deleterious effects on us all.

Vigilance combined with education and enforcement about drugs are only
small steps in fighting the cravings created by these drugs and their
harmful effects in society. But they are the only steps we can take, and so
they are the things we must do.