EDUCATION IS KEY TO WARN ON DRUGS

Editor: On Feb. 23 Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) chaired a hearing in Madison.
This brought together leaders in law enforcement, drug treatment, pharmacy
and consumer healthcare to testify about the serious problem rural areas of
Wisconsin are experiencing with the increase in use and in meth.
(methamphetamine) labs found in wooded areas.

As a member of the pharmacy examining board, I am aware of over-the-counter
products that are used to make meth. After attending this hearing I want to
share some of the information.

The first to testify was a doctor from Chippewa Falls. She stated how
deadly the drug is to the addict and how the body reacts to the use of
meth. A few things that happen: You'll hallucinate that people are after
you; you literally cook your organs, body fat and muscle; teeth will turn
yellow, gray or black or fall out; you'll pick at imaginery bugs crawling
under your skin; your body odor will smell bad. Detox takes 90 days, the
desire to get high never leaves.

Law enforcement personnel testified to the increase of crime in western
Wisconsin. The problem is moving east and south. We also have had had an
increase in crime and arrests in Clark County.

There are things lawmakers can do to slow meth production. Over-the-counter
products used to make meth (pseudoephedrine) should be required to be kept
in a restricted area. Require all purchasers show a photo ID and have a log
for them to sign so there is a purchase history. There should be a three
package limit per month. This type of control in other states has slowed
the production of meth.

Education is key in schools to educate young people this drug is different
and deadly. A program with pictures. The before use and after use is a
powerful visual tool.

CHARLOTTE L. RASMUSSEN

Public member

Wisconsin State Pharmacy Examining Board

Stanley