METH HOTLINE PROVES NARCING ISN'T ALL BAD

In response to the growing drug problem in Tennessee, the Tennessee Bureau
of Investigation now has MethWatch - a hotline for people to reports labs
and sales of methamphetamines.

We support the TBI's efforts to run the meth labs into the ground. With
Tennessee's rising meth problem, it's about time someone took a firm stand
against the brain-killing stimulant and those who produce and sell the
mind-altering substance.

Meth goes beyond the usual recreational drug consumption. Meth use can
cause severe mental problems, including schizophrenia, not to mention
studies indicate use of methamphetamines can permanently affect the brain,
including the level of dopamine, a chemical that controls movement and
emotional responses, including feelings of pleasure and pain.

Because meth is relatively easy to produce, meth labs are prevalent,
especially in rural areas. Common ingredients include over-the-counter
medication and cleaning supplies.

Though it seems obvious to us that ingesting this drug is a bad idea, its
rising popularity, especially among people ages 18 to 23, indicates that
not all drug users have our clarity of thought.

We at Sidelines are ready to take a stance against the illegal use and
production of methamphetamines. Though we haven't always been supportive of
anti-drug efforts, exceptions have to be made for drugs as dangerous as meth.

The highly-addictive substance permanently alters the brain, and withdrawal
symptoms of meth users far surpass those of users of cocaine and other such
drugs.

MethWatch provides citizens with a way to report suspicions of meth use as
well as allowing vendors of pharmaceuticals to report those who purchase
items that, incombination, could be used to manufacture methamphetamines.

Calls made to the 24-hour hotline will help both statewide and local
officials in their efforts to end the meth epidemic in Tennessee. We
encourage anyone suspicious of meth activity to take advantage of the hotline.

For more information on MethWatch, see "Statewide hotline in place to
report meth activity, sale," page 3 in the State and Local News section.