METH DESTROYS FAMILIES

It seems a day doesn't go by that we don't hear about another
methamphetamine drug bust on television or in the newspaper. But once the
person has made the decision to get off the drug, is clean, and then seeks
mental health help to stay clean, the resources just aren't there. So much
struggle to get clean and stay clean, only to run into so many walls
preventing re-integration into society.

Also, little attention is paid to the loved ones of those who choose meth.
The breakdown of the family is significant as a result of this drug. The
physical and emotional pain of the children involved is unbelievable. These
are the victims, who never even used the drug.

I beg anyone who has access to distribution of the funding available for
state medical and mental health services to look at a more equitable and
results-driven distribution of the funds. Stop spending huge amounts of
money on year-long surveillance to bust a drug dealer only to have him on
the streets again. Take a look at the recovering addicts and the services
they cannot access. Look at the families emotionally, financially, and
physically damaged by this drug and develop programs and support for them.

Beverly A. Cooke

Vancouver