Anti-substance abuse effort good for all

While most Valley residents are enjoying their lunches today, a significant undertaking that will benefit everyone will be formalized by a few at a joint meeting of the Greater Wasilla and Palmer chambers of commerce.

The United Way of Mat-Su and more than 30 other organizations from around the community are expected to ink an agreement forming the new Mat-Su anti-substance abuse coalition. The signing is the culmination of months of work by community and business leaders who volunteered their time in support of this worthwhile initiative that addresses the growing problem of drug and alcohol abuse.

Anyone who thinks this doesn't affect them should remember the social costs of such abuse.

In the workplace, the problem manifests itself in lost productivity. On the highways, the problem manifests itself in accidents that often involve innocent parties. In the judicial system, which we all foot the bill for, the problem manifests itself in the clogging of court dockets and a disproportionate amount of resources going to processing drug and alcohol abusers.

The financial toll alone of substance abuse on the state's health care system is staggering. In 2003, the tab was nearly $180 million.

Methamphetamine addiction provides the most vivid - and devastating - example. Meth is no personal drug that affects only users. The fallout from the use and production of meth endangers many and exacts a toll on taxpayer-funded community resources, such as family services, public health, law enforcement and emergency services.

Property and fraud crimes associated with meth continue to victimize law-abiding citizens. And because of the strain already placed on law enforcement and the judicial system, such crimes stand a greater chance of going unsolved or unprosecuted.

A problem of this magnitude may seem impossibly unwieldy. But the coalition is banking on strength not only in numbers, but in unity.

By approaching substance abuse from a multi-faceted front, success is more likely. It's an effort

that deserves the appreciation - and support - of everyone.