Anti-Meth Coalition begins working on strategic plan

Published on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 1:11 PM MST

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.

Print this story Email this story Post A Comment

Comments

3 comment(s)

you know who I am wrote on Nov 2, 2008 5:30 PM:

" The story is true all the way down to the T. And the editors arn't stupid.....you are for taking a minor across international lines and getting married to a minor. And you suck at mix martial arts. That Old "soldier" guy almost wooped your a$$ and that was your first pro fight?really make it pro.....because you cant leave to travel. So stay in your mine and find me some more coal to keep my steaks hot!!LOL!!! This is that 1 guyremember? "

Leroy Fornof wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:35 PM:

" Its editors like this who make out the world to be worse then it actually is. It also shows how non-professional and low classed editors they are. This mild story is no where near the truth. But, poor characteristic editors as these has not stopped me from achieving my goals in life. I am currently a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter and will continue to pursue my dream with complete confidence. Changing the story hasn't changed me. "

Lynn Hart wrote on Apr 23, 2008 7:08 PM:

" Hello! My name is Lynn "Sota" Hart owner of No Xcuses None! and a member of the Yankton Sioux tribe located in South Dakota. And the designer of the American Indian Anti-Meth posters for Youth Across America". www.noxcusesnone.com

designed these posters to be relevant to Indian country because I felt they were unique and would aid in the battle against Meth on and off the American Indian reservations. Its not going to be the "cure all" but I feel that the families and their youth living on the reservations in America need to use whatever American Indian "

WRITE A COMMENT

READER COMMENTS
* Be respectful of others, the writer and the subjects in the story.

* Be relevant. Keep your comments pertinent to the story that is being discussed.

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All reader comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Eastern Arizona Courier is not liable for messages from third parties. IP addresses can be subpoenaed and your identity established by individuals who have been hurt by your comments.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity: You can be prosecuted for identity theft.
* Comments unrelated to the story.

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in www.eacourier.com reader comments represent the individual's own views and not those of the Eastern Arizona Courier. The Courier does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than Eastern Arizona Courier spokespersons.

Thank you for your comments!