NOW THE METH CAPITAL OF THE WORLD?

I had hoped, perhaps naively, my series on methamphetamine published
earlier this year might discourage someone from trying the drug for
the first time.

Last year, local authorities raided 46 meth labs. Last week - with
more than four months left in the year - they made the 47th meth lab
bust since Jan. 1.

Thirteen people were arrested last week alone.

And you know the ones we see arrested are probably just the tip of the
iceberg. Somewhere out there, perhaps next door to you, someone is
stoned out of their mind, mixing up toxic chemicals that could explode.

If you see a lot of different cars parked outside a house at all hours
of the day or windows blocked out, you may have a meth-cooker for a
neighbor.

I did a lot of research on methamphetamine, talking to recovering
addicts and those charged with dealing with the wreckage of destroyed
lives. Like many of you, I had no idea how addictive, dangerous and
popular meth is in our area.

I can understand wanting to escape the drudgery of daily life, but
meth is a false paradise. While experiencing the powerful euphoria of
its high, reality crumbles until family and finances are gone, dreams
and aspirations crushed and the body ravaged.

I'm glad experts come to our schools and show various police mug shots
of meth addicts as they increasingly become skeletons with sunken eyes
and no teeth.

This stuff is bad news.

As long as people feel as if their lives are empty enough to need some
type of escape, drug addiction will continue to escalate in America.
The war on drugs will only be effective as a deterrent for some.

Meth, heroin and other hard drugs are poison. So why would anyone jump
at the chance to pump these toxic solutions through their veins? I am
not moralizing but where is the common sense?

If you are out with a friend partying and hear that meth is available
for the taking, don't do it. The high isn't worth the lows.

I still have hope I might discourage someone from using meth. Open
your eyes and remember all of the people you've seen in this newspaper
for using meth.

Don't become another slave to this vicious master.