SEN. TOM HARKIN SPEAKS ABOUT TREATMENT, PREVENTION OF METH

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who introduced the
Methamphetamine Abuse Treatment and Prevention Act in the U.S. Senate
this week, spoke with law enforcement and drug treatment
professionals in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines Saturday about his ideas
for tackling methamphetamine abuse.

The idea behind Harkin's bill is that every dollar spent on treatment
and prevention of meth abuse will ultimately lead to a $7 savings.
His goal is to increase family and jail-based treatment and break
down barriers to getting people help.

"With proper treatment, meth addicts can recover and go on to lead
productive lives," Harkin said to a group of around 15 drug treatment
and law enforcement officials.

Harkin said that the problem with current treatment programs is that
individuals often spend less than a month there, when four to six
months minimum is necessary.

Ideas were discussed to help treated users avoid a relapse, including
making sure that they receive professional training.