REDUCE DEMAND FOR ILLEGAL METH

Re: "Number of meth labs grows in Michigan," July 7.

As a recovered abuser of methamphetamine (clean over 11 years now) I
humbly submit the most urgent question for policy makers should be,
"Will criminal justice solutions do anything to reduce the amount of
methamphetamine abuse within our country?"

My personal experience, along with that of the drug abusers I've
worked with in treatment and recovery settings, suggests the answer is
a resounding "No."

Regardless of how many meth labs cops bust and how many Americans
police arrest and incarcerate for meth-related offenses, not a single
addict is any closer to true recovery. And no one in Michigan or
anywhere else who wants illegal amphetamines will have much trouble
scoring. The obscene profits guaranteed by drug prohibition policies
guarantee that there will always be fresh dealers to replace the ones
busted.

The urgent priority should be to reduce demand for illegal
amphetamines. We need to increase access to strong stimulants so that
the illegal market cannot compete. And we need to transfer the monies
currently used to incarcerate drug abusers into programs which allow
treatment on demand for any drug abuser who wants it. Such treatment
should be available regardless of the drug of abuse - whether that
drug be meth, cocaine, alcohol, nicotine or opiates.

STEPHEN HEATH

Public relations director

Drug Policy Forum of Florida

Clearwater, Fla.