Meth: Not Even Once

While methamphetamine is not the only illegal drug in Montana, it consumes a disproportionate share of Montana's law enforcement, social services, corrections and treatment resources according to Mike McGrath, Montana'a attorney general.

Many of the chemicals used to make meth are found in common items like lantern fuel, household cleaners, nail polish remover, swimming pool cleaner, and diet and cold pills. As a result, the making of meth generates 5-8 pounds of highly toxic waste to every pound of meth. The waste poses significant public health and safety risks.

Most of the drug is made in superlabs throughout the West and distributed. But, too, it is made in kitchens, car trunks, recreational vehicles and other smaller spaces that are mobile.

Its very transience, along with the suppressed price, has made it a popular drug.

The real price is considerable social upheaval in families and relationships far beyond the individuals. And the health impacts of ingesting so many toxins in one drug are devastating.

Our hat is off to the statewide effort to draw attention to the problem through Paint the State. There are numerous examples of this artwork in our area. Look for it and support it.

Unfortunately, the lives we save through these effort are people we know. — Roger Morris