Study pegs meth cost at $23.4B – Montana Meth Project – Montana meth-related crime dropped 62 percent from 2005 to 2008

A new study estimates that the price tag for methamphetamine abuse in the U.S. is $23.4 billion – for treatment, health care, foster care and the costs of crime and lost productivity associated with the drug.

Meth-related crime in Montana increased 21 percent from 2004 to 2005, but as a result of statewide prevention and interdiction programs, the rate dropped 62 percent from 2005 to 2008, according to the Montana Board of Crime Control.

Full Story: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/02/06/news/state/41-meth.txt

Montana Meth Project http://www.montanameth.org/

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Meth campaign wise investment
By Roberta Stauffer – 02/05/2009

Helena will be invaded Feb. 16, but not to worry. The troops will all be under 18, armed only with signatures and heartfelt support for continuing the in-your-face public education campaign against meth use.

Roughly 150 high school and middle school students from Butte and Anaconda will be among the 1,700 being bused to Helena for the March Against Meth on the President’s Day holiday. Registration has closed for the bus convoys, but Montana Meth Project Executive Director Peg Shea said more kids and parents are welcome to join the rally on the Capitol steps around noon that day.

Full Opinion: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2009/02/06/opinion/hjjajhjehhjefd.txt