PREPARING FOR METH MENACE

If there is any good news about methamphetamine coming to Maine it is that the state is among the last to deal with the problem and can learn from others about how best to prevent and treat abuse of this drug. In a report released last week, the National Association of Counties said methamphetamine was the nation’s top drug problem, worse than marijuana or cocaine. The group called for more federal funding to deal with meth. That would be helpful, but in the meantime, local communities must be prepared to deal with this dangerous drug.

Maine has been proactive. A law limiting the sale of nonprescription cold remedies, such as Sudafed, which can be used to produce meth, was overwhelmingly passed by the Legislature this spring. The new law also permits pharmacists to ask for a photo I.D. from a purchaser.

Another feature of the law will set up a “Meth Watch” program to train retail sales people and eventually the general public in detection and reporting likely meth manufacturers. Trainers from Kansas, where the national Meth Watch program started, are expected to come to Maine to help get things started. The public will be alerted to look for abandoned cars and buildings that may have covered windows and nearby dumpsites of old battery cases, empty antifreeze containers and other refuse from the ingredients used to make meth.

According to the counties association report, of 500 law enforcement agencies in 45 states, 87 percent reported increases in meth-related arrests in the last three years. Seventy percent of sheriffs reported increases in burglaries because of the drug and 62 percent reported increases in domestic violence. Dealing with children left alone while their parents either make the drug or sleep off its effects is a growing problem for law enforcement agencies.

The problems are particularly bad in the Pacific Northwest and Southwest. It has taken about a decade for the drug, which is made in home labs or smuggling, already made, into the country, to reach Maine.

Although the state’s numbers are small, they are increasing rapidly. Admissions to treatment programs where methamphetamine was the primary drug used grew from 19 in 2002 to 39 in 2004, according to the Office of Substance Abuse.

Methamphetamine is of particular concern in Maine for two reasons. First, the state has seen a large increase in cocaine use in the past two years. Meth is much cheaper than cocaine and produces a longer-lasting high, which will make it attractive to many of the state’s drug users. Also, a survey of high school students by the Office of Substance Abuse found that many teens were already abusing stimulants, making them more susceptible to the lure of meth.

Another benefit of being among the last to deal with the problem is that the negative effects of meth are well-known. For example, many young people already know about meth mouth. As a result of using the drug teeth lose their enamel, disintegrate, loosen and fall out. The Office of Substance Abuse plans to use such information to educate potential users about the dangers of meth. Law enforcement agencies will be responsible for trying to keep the supply of the drug low.

Maine has a lot to prepare for, but it has already taken some good steps.