METH PROBLEM WARRANTS TOUGH BILL

Arizona is first in our nation for crystal meth addiction, ages 12 to 17.

Causes include a cost of $16 per gram of meth vs. $60 for cocaine,
ready home production using over-the-counter methamphetamine
ingredients such as Sudafed, and lack of education (both about its
intense addiction and its association with criminal and family violence).

In Japan, where meth has been the major addictive drug for 50 years,
there is a strong association with the onset of schizophrenia.

Current treatment is both grimly unsuccessful and linked to lifetime
ready recurrence. Thus, we must focus on such preventions as
communitywide education; with parental courage "in their shoes" youth
reach-out; and incentive-type barriers such as more inclusive
employment drug testing coupled with grade and high school screening.

Senate Bill 1483 includes transferring medication used in meth
production to a behind-the-counter status. It requires a written
record of identification for each purchase.

The Legislature must pass this bill or accrue the shame of doing
nothing of substance to prevent this disease epidemic from destroying
the youth of our state.

Earl J. Baker, M.D., Phoenix

The writer is chief of medical service, St. Vincent de Paul Clinic.