Meth campaign focuses on treatment

After years of trying to fight methamphetamine addiction through fear -- ad campaigns that focused on scaring potential users away from ever trying the illegal drug -- national drug czar John Walters came to Seattle on Thursday to announce a new tactic: hope for treatment.

Congress has put $10 million toward a slick public education program touting "life after meth" that will air here and in seven other states with high meth-abuse rates.

Walters acknowledged that the funding, less than $1 million of which will go to Washington state, was "not a lot of money," and he added that the new approach -- encouraging treatment -- is somewhat experimental.

The biggest single obstacle to combating meth is "people believe treatment doesn't work," Walters said, insisting that research shows otherwise.

Mike Greer, a 36-year-old Seattle University student, believes he is living proof.

Addicted to meth for six years, Greer is now drug-free and pursuing a law degree. Getting arrested in 2003 and being forced to undergo treatment changed everything.

"Thank goodness they sent me for treatment," he said. "It's the best money they ever spent."

Not everyone applauded the new approach. Tony Radovich, who identified himself as a gay man, noted that meth use within the homosexual community has helped to encourage the spread of HIV, and he criticized the initiative for failing to target that audience.

"I think you make a great point," answered Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., who was on hand for the kickoff with Walters, state officials and Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.

"We're all up here dressed in suits and ties. We come from another world. You guys are the power here. Use it."

Encouraging treatment will do little for those unable to gain access to programs because of a lack of available bed space.

		Gilbert W. Arias / P-I
	National drug czar John Walters unveils the government's new anti-meth effort called "Life After Meth" on Thursday.

The 581 certified drug-treatment facilities in Washington do not nearly meet the need, said Doug Allen, director of the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse at the state Department of Social and Health Services.

Nor could Allen account for reasons why 10 percent fewer people sought help for meth this year compared with 2006.

"It could mean some people are making other choices" -- either avoiding treatment or using other drugs, such as pharmaceuticals, he said. "Or maybe education is working."

Adults seeking treatment for chemical dependency in 2006 cited meth addiction more often than any substance except alcohol, according to the agency.