Project seeks to end meth use

There has never been a drug as powerful, addictive and quick to destroy lives as methamphetamine.

And before you quit reading this editorial because you believe meth use doesn't impact you, consider:

? 63 percent of Idaho felony drug court participants indicate meth is their drug of choice.

? 1 in 36 Idaho men are in prison or on probation or parole. 75 percent of offenders with a drug problem say that meth is their drug of choice.

? $66 million is the amount the state of Idaho spends annually to house inmates who admit to having a meth problem.

Meth use is also epidemic in Bonner County. It is cheap and plentiful here. Ask your local policeman, deputy or judge.

In 2008, the Daily Bee is going to examine the meth problem head on. We will be devoting editorial and advertising space in an attempt to wake us all up to the dangers of this drug.

Not coincidentally, the state of Idaho has launched the Idaho Meth Project. This proven meth prevention program goes much further than "Just Say No" and bombards the state with graphic depictions of what this drug can do.

This campaign is based on the Montana Meth Project. Our neighbors to the east have seen a substantial drop in usage as a result of the campaign.

Meth impacts all of us one way or the other. If you live here, pay taxes, have kids or grandkids, you are exposed to meth.

We plan on tapping local experts for a series of lectures and informational pieces in the paper.

Right now the state of Idaho is gathering funds to launch the Idaho Meth Project. If you would like to know more about the state's program, check idahomethproject.org.

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.