The federal government wants to change the way it does battle in the war against drugs. The National Drug Control Policy Director met with Iowans Monday, including many from our area.
During the meeting, they reviewed a report from the Department of Public Health showing drug abuse and addiction is a growing problem in Iowa. According to the study, in North Iowa, meth, marijuana, alcohol, and prescription drugs are the main concerns.
Prairie Ridge Executive Director Jay Hansen explained, "different cultures are attracted to different substances. Cost... Certainly availability."
Drug task force investigators are always fighting to get the stuff off the streets. Recently they're noticing the drug of choice is changing.
Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Chief Deputy David Hepperly said, "we are starting to see some heroin that we're seeing in the area now."
But how do you stop this disturbing trend from catching on? The goal on the local, state, and federal level is to create a comprehensive National Drug Control Strategy for 2010. Hansen believes that means including more funding, and fresh ideas. It also reflects the diverse needs of different parts of the country.
Hansen notes that the main reason people come to his facility continues to be alcohol abuse.
"Often times I think, when people think of substance abuse problems, they think of illegal drugs, when we really have to keep our ball on alcohol as well," he said.
Hepperly knows first hand how drug use varies from region to region. But he believes a federal plan will help make a difference in North Iowa.
"It's a good thing though to have a national policy. That way everyone that lives in this country knows what direction we're going to take to try to combat this," he added.
