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Jed Boal ReportingMethamphetamine snared its first addicts in Utah about a decade ago, and the community has been trying to snuff it out ever since. A new state and local task force will attack the problem on several fronts.
Law enforcement and counselors can claim successes in the war on meth in Utah, yet the problem of meth addiction grows. It's rapidly becoming a national epidemic. Now, people fighting the problem at all levels will join forces.
New national TV spots spell out the scourge of meth for users, their families and innocent bystanders. The state and the Utah Association of Counties came together at a residential treatment facility to launch a new attack.
Nationally, 19.1 million people use illegal drugs. 1.5 million use meth. That's fewer users than other drugs, but with more problems.
Scott Burns, Deputy Dir. State and Local Affairs, White House Drug Policy: "It is the singular most destructive, insidious drug that we deal with. It destroys lives. It destroys families. It destroys communities."
Meth is the number one illegal drug of choice for all Utahns who are admitted to treatment programs. Rodney Symes knows meth addiction and the road to recovery.
Rodney Symes, Former Meth Addict, Addiction Counselor: "From my first use of meth I was hooked. I thought I could stay up longer and do more, at least that's what I thought."
He lost his job and his family.
Rodney Symes: "All I could think about was how and when I could get high next."
He stole property, wound up in jail, and eventually got help. Today Symes is a licensed substance abuse counselor.
Rodney Symes: "If my criminal behavior continued on that path, I would have spent the rest of my life in prison."
The task force will approach solutions for treatment, law enforcement, education and prevention.
Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr.: "Meth addiction, in fact, reaches across our entire population. It is inexpensive, and it is easy to get. The costs are enormous."
It’s expensive for all of us. Treatment costs about 15-thousand dollars a year. Jail costs 27-thousand, plus the costs to house dependants.
Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. "You cannot incarcerate your way out of this drug problem."
Unfortunately for addicts who want help, there's a three to four month waiting list to get into treatment. Creating more spots for treatment is one of the first jobs for the task force.
