Missouri has the dubious distinction of being the methamphetamine capital of the country and largely has been left to fight meth on its own. That, though, is changing.
National attention has come to the fight against meth.
The federal drug czar has announced a special anti-math advertising campaign to run in 16 states.
Missouri will be among those states. Missouri ranks first in the nation for Drug Enforcement Administration meth lab seizures and incidents. A southeast Missouri resident named Josh, who has shaken meth addiction, is featured. Dunklin County Drug Court Commissioner Phillip Britt says Josh’s story demonstrates treatment can work and that the meth addiction can be broken.
"If it encourages one family who’s about ready to give up to continue to attempt to have their loved one get treatment for their methamphetamine addiction, then it’s all worthwhile," says Britt.
Britt was Josh’s drug court judge, guiding the young man from Dunklin County through nearly one-and-a-half years of treatment. Missouri has made a name for itself through the use of drug courts , which "sentence" addicts to drug counseling and treatment, normally a 15-to-18 month process. Drug courts have proven successful. Britt points to Josh as a prime example. Josh now counsels those in the grips of alcoholism or drug addiction.
"If his story can affect one other life then he’s glad to tell it," Britt says. "And I’m glad to help him tell it."
The anti-meth campaign will use TV, radio, print, on-line and outdoor advertising. The ad campaign will begin early next year. Information about the ads can be found at MethResources.gov .
Download/listen Brent Martin reports (:60 MP3)
