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Anti-Meth Coalition begins working on strategic plan


Survey results identify perceptions about kids and drugs

By Diane Saunders, Staff Writer

The Graham County Anti-Meth Coalition is using the findings of a community survey and other data to formulate a strategic plan for fighting substance abuse and addiction — particularly methamphetamines.

The coalition, which includes mental health professionals and law enforcement officers, recently became a community alliance member of The Partnership for Drug-Free America, Arizona Chapter.

“We hope to get more community members involved, especially people in recovery,” said Kathy Grimes, coordinator of the Graham County Anti-Meth Coalition.

People who are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction would be able to share their experiences with other members of the coalition, she said. This would be helpful to coalition members who are planning anti-drug programs for the community.

At a recent strategic planning session facilitated by Chuck Palm of the Pima Prevention Partnership, members of the coalition identified several contributors to the growing meth addiction problem in Graham and Greenlee counties.

The contributors included:

  • Multigenerational illegal drug usage — children see parents and other adult relatives use drugs.

  • Children being raised by someone other than their parents.

  • Meth is cheap and available.

  • Producing and selling meth is profitable.

  • Meth is highly potent and addictive.

  • Lack of recovery resources in Graham and Greenlee counties. Those who participated in rehabilitation programs elsewhere are thrust back into the same environment after rehab.

  • Traditional law enforcement practices are not effective.

    Coalition members also identified community consequences of meth addiction, including theft, fraud and property crimes; illnesses and injuries; children removed from their homes; and lack of employable people to fill jobs in the community — especially people between the ages of 20 and 30.

    During the meeting, coalition members discussed the findings of a community survey designed to identify perceptions of Graham County residents. Participants filled out the 34-question survey anonymously.

    Tresa Thomas, community development coordinator at Southeast Arizona Behavioral Health Services, said the survey will help the coalition determine how prevention dollars will be spent.

    Thomas said the survey also shows 60 percent of the people believe cultural and religious beliefs help prevent suicides; however, southeast Arizona has one of the highest suicide rates in the Southwest.

    Other survey findings follow:

  • Alcohol abuse — 80 percent of those surveyed say alcohol abuse is a major problem, but few alcoholics are in recovery.

  • Kids and drugs — 94 percent of survey participants believe kids can readily obtain illegal drugs, and 85 percent of those surveyed believe every teen has friends who use drugs.

  • Doing well — 70 percent of those surveyed believe that young people are expected to do their best, and 75 percent of survey participants believe kids hurt the community.

    During the coalition meeting, it was pointed out that Graham County is not a strong recovery community and does not have an in-patient treatment facility. There are no recovery groups for teens in Graham and Greenlee counties.

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