CRANK UP EDUCATION

New Drug Menace Speeds Our Way

'Crank," "crystal meth" - whatever methamphetamine is called - is one of
the most widely abused illegal narcotics in the United States today. And
around here, it's about to get worse.

Law enforcement officers in Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke and Sampson counties
are noticing its increased presence. A Drug Enforcement Administration
agent said that in just one year, the number of labs discovered went from
10 to 30.

The drug can be manufactured in "mom and pop" operations inside garages.
Sadly, some of these labs are discovered only when amateur "meth cookers"
make a mistake, injuring or killing themselves and their children in
explosions and fires.

Methamphetamine is, unfortunately, taking hold in the working class. It is
the "drug of choice" for wage earners, for example, trying to stay awake
over two factory shifts to earn overtime.

Complicating prevention efforts is that working adults who use this drug
don't view themselves as drug abusers. They think of themselves as working
folks doing what it takes to get by.

More energy. Decreased appetite. They look good, feel good, and do more.
But the attractions don't last for long. Methamphetamine takes hold of mind
and body. The ability to make sound judgements, if not physical health,
often deteriorates.

Drug use begins to take more from the bank account than the overtime
originally put into a paycheck - which pushes many users into making and
selling the stuff.

The efforts must carry on into the work place. Drug counseling and
rehabilitation must be a part of the package. Churches need to get involved
in trying to reverse a culture that, while it doesn't condone "meth," pays
little attention to one of the most-abused drugs in America.

The argument that "at least these people are working and paying taxes"
underestimates the damage done.

The social tolls from "meth" users include erratic behavior, the inability
to control rage, domestic violence, child abuse and eventually, the
inability to hold onto a job.

The trend of increased methamphetamine use appears to be heading our way.
If it continues, then more of our middle-class families will self-destruct.