POLICY

As methamphetamine is a severe addiction, MCA favors increased funding for long-term treatment of those convicted of methamphetamine related offenses.  Long-term chemical dependency treatment is necessary to assure the offenders recovery from addiction and rehabilitation in the community.

BACKGROUND

Most inpatient treatment funded by Rule 25 is for 21 days or less. A person addicted to Meth cannot arrest this condition in such a short period of time without effective chemical dependency treatment options.  Meth offenders have little chance of successfully completing probation supervision, leading to eventual revocation and incarceration, which is much more expensive.

A disportionate amount of Meth related criminal activity has been reported in Greater Minnesota.  These counties have fewer resources for chemical dependency treatment and field supervision.

Meth users will often suffer from neurological damage that will also need follow-up care adding to the cost of their treatment.  If the offender is incarcerated, the state will end up paying more medical costs while housing these offenders.

Tougher sentences and increased penalties will be largely ineffective in reducing the methamphetamine problem.  More probation officers and better treatment will make significant inroads towards addressing the problem.

MCA acknowledges that the use and manufacture of methamphetamine is reaching epidemic proportions.  The wide spread impact to public health organizations, child protection services, environmental protection groups and the criminal justice system needs to be addressed and adequately funded.

For more information, contact:
Cal Saari (218/885-1375)

11/10/07

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