Introduction of the Methamphetamine Best Practices Act of 2007

Floor Speech

INTRODUCTION OF THE METHAMPHETAMINE BEST PRACTICES ACT OF 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - August 04, 2007)

* Mr. PEARCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about the terrible and destructive drug called Methamphetamine, or meth as it is more commonly known. Meth is destroying our kids, families and communities all over the country. The meth scourge is particularly devastating in my district, the 2nd district of New Mexico.

* Over the past year and a half, I have conducted over 50 town hall, school, church and community meth awareness visits. We all have a responsibility to educate our communities, parents, teachers and families about the dangers of this drug. Prevention, education and support of our law enforcement personnel are fundamental to fighting meth. However, the fight cannot stop there. We must provide those individuals who are addicted to meth the best available treatment. We must do everything we can to ensure that treatment centers and programs that are equipped with the best practices and methods to ensure long-term success for people fighting to be free of this terrible addictive drug.

* Unfortunately, very little is understood in the treatment community about the Best Practices for treating this addiction. I have spent the past few months talking to the treatment professionals throughout my district. Repeatedly I heard that no one knows what the best practices are or what tools are needed for treating meth addiction. While there are successful programs, there is no uniform understanding of the best methods to ensure long term success. Research on treating this addiction must be undertaken in order to provide our treatment professionals, doctors and recovering addicts with the best possible chance for success.

* To achieve that goal and give our treatment professionals the tools they need I am introducing the ``Methamphetamine Best Practices Act of 2007'' to direct the National Institute of Health to conduct a survey of research available to find the best practices for treating a methamphetamine addiction. In addition, I am asking NIH to report to Congress this information and tell us what other research may be necessary. It is imperative that we equip our treatment centers and communities with the necessary information to be successful in combating methamphetamines.

* Madam Speaker, we cannot stop meth use here in Congress. We can, however, give our communities the tools to win this fight. This legislation today will give our treatment professionals another weapon in their arsenal to fight meth in our communities. I want to thank my colleagues Representatives LEONARD BOSWELL, ZACH WAMP, DARLENE HOOLEY, and MICHAEL MICHAUD for joining me as original cosponsors of this effort. I strongly urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

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