Meth's damage doesn't end with those who use it

Much has been written and discussed in recent years about the problems of methamphetamine addiction and the cottage industry of production that goes along with it. We who live in the Valley, the meth capital of Alaska, are, perhaps, more aware than most of the devastation wrought by the epidemic.

What may not be fully understood yet, though, is how thorough and far-reaching that devastation can be. This 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.

The borough's chief of emergency services, Dennis Brodigan, in describing the insidious nature of the meth problem here in Mat-Su, said &#8220the tentacles just go and go and go and go.”

In our current online poll, we ask readers &#8220Have the use and manufacturing of meth in the Valley affected you either directly or indirectly in the last year?” Nearly a full third of respondents have answered yes. But it's not hard to imagine the percentage is higher when the full scope of the meth abuse is considered.

The epidemic brings the potential of hazardous exposure to unwitting residents who live near a working meth lab or spend time in a place, such as a hotel room or apartment, where a portable meth lab has operated. The cost of cleaning up such sites falls to taxpayer-funded entities like the Department of Environmental Conservation.

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.

Perhaps saddest of all is the profound effect of meth's scourge on the most innocent among us - children. Recent meth-lab busts in the Valley have discovered young children living in this toxic and dangerous environment. Exposure alone poses a greater threat to children than adults. But the risks hardly end with exposure.

Given the culture that attends meth use and the drug's affect on libido, children who live in functioning meth labs are much more likely to be sexually abused. Neglect appears to be the least that can be expected, although the emotional and social problems it can spawn make it nearly as sad.

Too much lip service has been paid in recent months to addressing the problem. Lots of those in positions of power have acknowledged it, but few have taken meaningful action against it. In one high-profile legislative example, personal politics trumped responsible public policy, and a good common-sense bill with broad support was never allowed to proceed to a vote.

Absent good judgment at the state level, Valley residents are fortunate to have representing them on the borough assembly several caring people who are working toward a local solution. As discouraging as it was that the proposed ordinance that appeared on the October ballot was defeated, assembly members continue their work.

It is up to the rest of us to encourage them. By increasing our own awareness and not living our lives as if the meth problem doesn't affect us, we are already part of the solution.