During a forum, sponsored by Madison Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, information was given by the Idaho State Police Department that tells a story about how Meth has taken over the lives of many young people in the state.

Officer Steven Davis, an Idaho State Drug Enforcement Officer, painted a desperate picture of how the state faces an epidemic when dealing with the addictive factors of methamphetamines and the destructive power it has within the families of an addict. “I have never seen anything as horrific and caused more destruction to families and lives than Meth,” says Davis.

 Meth is a highly addictive synthetic stimulant that was used in World War II. It was given to soldiers to increase their alertness. It is unknown how many of these men came home addicted to the drug but it is estimated to have been in the tens of thousands. Meth is considered more addictive than heroin and possibly the most addictive drug to have ever hit the streets in our time. The drug was listed as controlled in 1971 but that has done little to curb the use in the United States.

 In 2008 over 52 percent of all inmates in the state of Idaho were incarcerated due to the use of methamphetamines directly or indirectly through crimes committed to sustain their habits. The state of Idaho spends an estimated $500,000.00 each year to help addicts receive treatment but officer Davis believes this is a very conservative number. He also says that statistics show only 6 percent of addicts actually get off the drug which is very high estimate according to his own experience.

 Officer Davis described how young people, who become addicted to this drug, would resort to almost any measure of crime in order to feed the habit. Idaho ranks number 4th in the nation for use of this drug among 17 – 24 year olds and it is fast closing the gap to becoming number one.

 80 percent of all child placements by Idaho Health and Welfare are due to drugs with Meth being the most common. “We have to begin to understand how serious Meth addiction has become in our state. It does not matter who you are or how much money you make or what church you belong to. Meth does not discriminate,” says Davis.

 Ferrin Martindale, a parent from Newdale, brought his 13-year-old son to learn about the problem and asked, “What can I do as a father to keep my kids from using this drug?” Officer Davis responded by saying, “You are already doing it by bringing your son with you and listening to what this drug does to the lives of our young people.”

 The Idaho State police have been promoting a campaign called “Not Even Once” meaning do not try Meth even once because, for many, once is all it takes to become addicted and destroy your life.  The project offers information to parents and children that tells tale after tale of how this drug has destroyed people in this state and gives advice and hotline numbers to call if you have questions or concerns.

 Everyone in the community is encouraged to educate him or herself about this problem and get involved if they suspect or know of someone who is suffering from this addiction by going to www.idahomethproject.org .