Spokane County Meth Action Team (SCMAT)
Subcommittee of the GSSAC Community Coalition
The Spokane County Meth Action Team (SCMAT) was formed in 2000 when the Washington State Methamphetamine Initiative (WSMI) was founded. The WSMI has funded Meth Action Teams across the State of Washington to address the illicit manufacturing, distribution, and use of methamphetamine. Now, a decade later, the effort is continued by our state's forward-thinking congressional delegation, law enforcement, prevention, treatment, and other community members who make up our Meth Action Team.
Communication, collaboration, and partnerships among prevention, treatment, and law and justice form the basis for the Spokane County Meth Action Team's strategic plan. (July 2010 SCMAT Strategic Plan link). The SCMAT has reached beyond individual organizational interests to work together on innovative solutions to reduce the impact of meth in our communities. From bringing the Meth Watch program to Washington State, to conducting public forums with members of Congress and the Washington State Legislature, to connecting providers of services to drug endangered children to resources (WA DEC link), the Spokane County Meth Action Team has been instrumental in policy change and increasing public awareness and participation. Our leadership is diverse, passionate, and committed to making a difference. The new Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) drug control strategy emphasizes a focus on environmental strategies so that communities can establish and sustain healthy norms to raise healthy families. The SCMAT's approach and proven track record affirms this strategy.
Methamphetamine presents a constantly changing landscape and has proven to be an elusive adversary in the United States. Starting small and in regional pockets, the multi-faceted threat rapidly metastasized into a national problem with thousands of "cooks" turning out the highly addictive substance from clandestine labs often located in houses in unsuspecting neighborhoods. Proactive efforts by the SCMAT helped reduce the amount of meth produced in our county by working with retailers, law enforcement, and other key community leaders. This work or reducing the availability of precursor chemicals expanded across Washington State as the Meth Watch Retailer Program. The SCMAT is proud to have played a major role in helping to greatly reduce meth production in the State of Washington.
By 2003, Washington State experienced a drastic increase in clandestine meth labs. During this time, about one third of all meth labs in our state that were discovered by law enforcement had small children found in them. Of these children, nearly one third tested positive for methamphetamine exposure. Seeing a need for a collaborated approach to rescue and protect children found in meth labs, the SCMAT and the Spokane County Sheriff's Office stepped up to address the issue by helping to form the Washington State Alliance for Drug Endangered Children. In 2009, Spokane was the host for the National Drug Endangered Children Conference and is currently involved in providing training for other Washington State counties wanting to form local Drug Endangered Children teams.
The SCMAT is always looking for new members who are committed to making a difference and want to join us. For more information, please contact GSSAC or attend the next GSSAC Community Coalition meeting.
"The State of Substance Abuse in Spokane County – Uniting Prevention, Treatment & Law Enforcement
June 8, 2010 Community Forum Debrief: Question & Answer
1). What is the percentage rate of children in middle and high school using drugs/alcohol today?
Cigarette smoking is at its lowest point in the history of the survey on all measures among students in grades 8, 10, and 12. These findings are particularly noteworthy since tobacco addiction is one of the leading preventable contributors to many of our Nation's health problems.
Between 2004 and 2009, a drop in past-year use of methamphetamine was reported for all grades, and lifetime use dropped significantly among 8th-graders, from 2.3 to 1.6 percent. Among 10th- and 12th-graders, 5-year declines were reported for past-year use of amphetamines and cocaine. Among 12th-graders, past-year use of cocaine decreased significantly, from 4.4 to 3.4 percent.
From 2004 to 2009, decreases were observed in lifetime, past-year, past-month, and binge use of alcohol across the three grades surveyed.3
In 2009, 12th-graders reported declines in use across several survey measures of hallucinogens; Past-year use of hallucinogens and LSD fell significantly, from 5.9 to 4.7 percent and from 2.7 to 1.9 percent, respectively; and past-year use of hallucinogens other than LSD decreased from 5.0 to 4.2 percent among 12th-graders.
Attitudes toward substance abuse, often seen as harbingers of change in use, showed many favorable changes. Among 12th-graders, perceived harmfulness of LSD, amphetamines, sedatives/barbiturates, heroin, and cocaine increased. Across the three grades, perceived availability of several drugs also decreased.4
Marijuana use across the three grades has shown a consistent decline since the mid-1990s. The trend has stalled, however, with prevalence rates remaining steady over the last 5 years. Past-year use was reported by 11.8 percent of 8th-graders, 26.7 percent of 10th-graders, and 32.8 percent of 12th-graders. Also, perceived risk of regular use of marijuana decreased among 8th- and 10th-graders, although perceived availability decreased among 12th-graders.
From 2008 to 2009, lifetime, past-month, and daily use of smokeless tobacco increased significantly among 10th-graders.
Past-year nonmedical use of Vicodin and OxyContin increased during the last 5 years among 10th-graders, and remained unchanged among 8th- and 12th-graders. Nearly 1 in 10 high school seniors reported nonmedical use of Vicodin; 1 in 20 reported abuse of OxyContin.5
When asked how prescription narcotics were obtained for nonmedical use, 52 percent of 12th-graders said they were given the drugs or bought them from a friend or relative. Additionally, 30 percent reported receiving a prescription for them, and a negligible number of 12th-graders reported purchasing the narcotics over the internet. (National Institute on Drug Abuse – NIDA)
SPOKANE COUNTY 2008 HEALTHY YOUTH SURVEY (HYS) STATISTICS:
ALCOHOL USE IN PAST 30 DAYS:
· 5% of 6th Graders
· 16% of 8th Graders
· 34% of 10th Graders
· 43% of 12th Graders
MARIJUANA USE IN PAST 30 DAYS:
· 1% of 6th Graders
· 9% of 8th Graders
· 22% of 10th Graders
· 25% of 12th Graders
ILLEGAL DRUG USE IN PAST 30 DAYS:
· 0% of 6th Graders
· 10% of 8th Graders
· 23% of 10 Graders
· 26% of 12th Graders
2). Do you see a connection between Rx drug advertising on TV and Rx drug abuse? Have there been trend studies to connect?
The rise in deaths coincides with the direct marketing of prescription medication to the public. Prescription drug sales have soared nearly 500% since 1990 (The Injury Board: National News Desk)
- 1997 - FDA rules allowed pharmaceutical companies to start advertising for prescription drugs
- 2000 – the amount of ads had increased seven times
- 16 average number of hours of prescription drug advertising Americans see each year
- 16 million people had expressly requested prescription medications from their doctors as a result of advertising
- When Merck spent over $300 million to advertise its drug Vioxx, it created huge demand for the drug, which in turn led to as many as 140,000 heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. and 60,000 deaths.
3). Why is public health NOT a part of the discussion on prevention - "Because we're not interested in what public health has to say…"??
Public health is the science and art of promoting health, preventing disease, and
prolonging life through the organized efforts of society. Substance abuse and addiction is a public health issue. Prevention incorporates this model into all of our work. By doing so, we are helping to prevent health disparities that are caused by using drugs and/or alcohol.
The report, Prevention of Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People, concluded that prevention of addiction and mental illness has been proven to be scientifically feasible, but said that only public-health approaches are demonstrably effective (Join Together).
4). I would like to volunteer with young people and I need to know who to get in touch with.
- Mentoring Children of Promise provides mentors for youth ages 4-18 whose parents are currently incarcerated. MCP matches mentors who are screened and trained with eligible youth and provides ongoing support that helps break cycles of inter-generational incarceration.
Contact: Joy Jones, Goodwill Industries MCP Program Coordinator
Email: joyj@giin.org
Phone: 509.570.0522
Cell: 509 999-0417
- At the Boys & Girls Club of Spokane County, there are many opportunities to volunteer and utilize your special talents.
Boys & Girls Clubs offer activities for every child with every type of interest. Volunteers are needed to assist program staff with the arts; technology; education and career development; health and life skills; character and leadership development; sports, fitness and recreation; and so much more. Our Club is open Monday through Friday from 3:00pm – 7:00pm after school and summers from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
We offer a wide variety of sports programs for kids which could not be provided without the help of volunteers. Volunteers are needed as coaches, referees, and score keepers.
Even if you are not sure about working directly with children, we have ways for volunteers to make a difference. Opportunities for volunteers are also available in data entry, mailings, phones and front counter assistance. These volunteer positions are available at the Club and our Administrative Service Center.
For more information on how you can get involved and volunteer:
Contact Jason Anderson at our Northtown Branch at (509) 489-0741.
To volunteer at our Libby Teen Center call Jesse Monteon at (509) 536-8152.
- Volunteers of America (VOA): Last year alone, more than 800 volunteers gave more than 16,000 hours of service in our various programs—helping our most vulnerable neighbors in Spokane and Kootenai counties. No matter what kind of volunteer opportunity you choose—whether you provide a meal, sort clothing or offer your expertise—when you volunteer you foster positive change in our community, enrich your life and brighten the world of those you serve.
With more than a dozen human service programs across the Inland Northwest, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Contact: Shaun Antrim
Email: santrim@voaspokane.org
Phone: (509) 624-2378
5). Many of you discussed the prevention part of drug use. The studies show that the substance most addictive is nicotine. When kids are addicted to nicotine, their only source of income to buy the cigarettes are stealing or selling drugs. On the prevention side, various models show that raising the age to 21 to purchase would reduce smoking. Most high school aged youth get cigarettes from their 18 year old friends. Approximately 50% of all seniors are 18. How can we raise the cigarette purchasing age to equal that of alcohol?
SPOKANE COUNTY 2008 HEALTHY YOUTH SURVEY (HYS) STATISTICS:
CIGARETTE SMOKING IN PAST 30 DAYS
- 1% of 6th Graders
- 9% of 8th Graders
- 18% of 10th Graders
- 25% of 12th Graders
43 million Americans are addicted to nicotine. Over 90% became addicted as teenagers and more than half of them will die prematurely as a result. Moving the legal minimum sale age for tobacco to age 21 is a logical and sensible step with substantial evidence suggesting an immediate and positive effect on youth usage.
Age 21 protects younger teens better. The younger the buyer is, the less likely they are to achieve a purchase even with current enforcement. Moreover, most social sources of tobacco for teens are themselves younger than 21. Age 21 reduces initiation in younger kids and inhibits consolidation of addiction in older teens.
(www.tobacco21.org, Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation)
6). I have a grandson who is involved with drugs (pills) and need to know about getting him into rehab. He has no insurance and no money but he really need help – he's 24 years old.
- Refer him to Health for All to see if there is any low cost health coverage available for him that would allow him to work with a medical provider to get titrated off the medications
- CHAS clinic, CHRIST Clinic and House of Charity will also provide medical care if he becomes their patient
- Union Gospel Mission takes in men and provides faith based counseling and support
- Teen Challenge serves young men and offers faith based treatment on a closed campus
- If he needs detoxification contact Community Detox of Spokane - there is no fee for their services
- He could apply for ADATSA at the local DSHS Access Spokane office or online at the DSHS website. There is a wait list for ADATSA services
7). How have the rise of Rx drug abuse affected the cost and the length of treatment?
- Increasing numbers of people need treatment which is increasing overall cost. Length of treatment is individualized based on a person's history of use and the severity of their addiction.
8). How can I get someone without insurance or money into treatment and/or clean and sober housing?
Oxford Housing offers clean and sober housing in a shared living environment. A person needs family assistance or at least a part time job to help pay their fair share of the costs. (SEE QUESTION #6 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TREATMENT PART OF QUESTION)
9). Why do men with children fall through the cracks?
- If the family is involved with DCFS, they should talk to their social worker about accessing treatment services.
- If the family is low income but does not qualify for Medicaid coupons, they should contact treatment centers and ask about their sliding fee scale for low income clients.
10). In the recovery providing genre do the clients have to adopt the religious philosophy of the provider to qualify for services?
Not if treatment is being paid for with public funding. However, if treatment is funded through donations or private payments, a faith based provider may screen potential clients and set their own priorities for who they will serve.
11). How do we integrate services, social services, medical psychiatric, etc. without compromising WAS/WIA, HIPPA and other regulations?
See the SAMHSA website (www.samhsa.gov) for the latest information on this challenge. Change does not come quickly, but it is likely to come.
12). Has the county considered limiting treatment to a certain number of attempts (say 3 times) and then resources can be spread further?
Due to privacy laws, there is no way to determine how many times a person has been in treatment unless they self-disclose that information. There is also no way to determine which treatment episode will bring long term recovery. In any case, people who access treatment save money in our social services and criminal justice systems. Potential negative consequences to the individual and the community are postponed for as long as the person is in recovery. As long as a person wants treatment and is dedicated to recovery, our community should do as much as we can to help them. It helps all of us. (SEE QUESTION #14 FOR MORE INFORMATION)
13). Is there publically available drug testing resources available for low income (i.e. voluntarily through AA)?
- Not that I know of (Becky Swan with Spokane County Community Services)
14). What is the relapse rate?
- We don't have any data that specifically tracks relapse. Some relapse is expected as a part of early treatment and recovery.
- Does relapse to drug abuse mean treatment has failed?
No. The chronic nature of the disease means that relapsing to drug abuse is not only possible, but likely, with relapse rates similar to those for other well-characterized chronic medical illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, which also have both physiological and behavioral components. Treatment of chronic diseases involves changing deeply imbedded behaviors, and relapse does not mean treatment failure. For the addicted patient, lapses back to drug abuse indicate that treatment needs to be reinstated or adjusted, or that alternate treatment is needed.
Relapse rates for drug-addicted patients are compared with those suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Relapse is common and similar across these illnesses (as is adherence to medication). Thus, drug addiction should be treated like any other chronic illness, with relapse serving as a trigger for renewed intervention. (NIDA)
15). In the Diversion Program why do you punish an addict when they relapse? Especially when relapse is a part of recovery?
- Every treatment program has unique rules that are specifically designed to meet the needs of the clientele who use the program. There is a lot of diversity in treatment programs and if one does not work for a person, they should keep trying.
- Recovery from addiction can be a long-term process and frequently requires multiple episodes of treatment. As with other chronic illnesses, relapses to drug use can occur during or after successful treatment episodes. Addicted individuals may require prolonged treatment and multiple episodes of treatment to achieve long-term abstinence and fully restored functioning.
16). Please define drug court and why such a deviated component is used.
Drug Court is "a specially designed court calendar or docket, the purposes of which are to achieve a reduction in recidivism and substance abuse among nonviolent substance abusing offenders and to increase the offender's likelihood of successful habilitation through early, continuous, and intense judicially supervised treatment, mandatory periodic drug testing, community supervision, and use of appropriate sanctions and other rehabilitation services" (Bureau of Justice Assistance, 2005).
17). How is separation of church & state maintained when there appears to be 2 significant religious influences on the panel?
Being born and raised in Spokane my heart is for this community and helping make it a safe and friendly place to raise families. Recovery really is not about religion. It's about all of us working together in a community effort to give hope to people struggling with addiction. I personally am very confident in my own faith, and I do hope that the love I feel for people will show to all who hear. It's not my place to judge someone else's faith I have respect for all believers. I just know personally that Jesus Christ is the reason I am clean and sober today.
18). How many active gang members are there in Spokane County?
According to the 2009-2010 Spokane County Comprehensive Gang Assessment, at this time, Spokane is predominately a Crip gang town with more than 40 Crip sets represented. Of these, nine are of local origin, meaning that they originated in Spokane, assisted by outside influences. Bloods/Pirus are also represented, but on a much smaller scale. There are only three active Blood sets in the Spokane area. The second largest group is the Gangster Disciples, with representation from five different sets. Peoples Nation gangs are poorly represented in the Spokane region, and although they are present, none are currently active. Hispanic gangs are on the rise with more than five different Norteño sets active in the region; this comprises the third largest group. Norteño gang members in this region show a high degree of solidarity, making delineation of the different sets difficult. Sureño sets are also present and increasing in numbers. Currently eight Sureño sets are active in Spokane County.
As far as the number of gang members, I do not have an answer for that and I do not know anyone who does. It is virtually impossible to track, partly because of the fine line between someone considering themselves to be a gang member versus a gang associate. The Spokane Police website used to say that we have 900 confirmed gang members in Spokane County, however that number was from back in 2007 and is no longer on their website.
What impact has that had in the crime rate?
The impact on crime from gang members is difficult to answer because of several issues. First is non-reporting by victims who are reluctant to cooperate due to fear of retaliation from gang members and their associates. Second, a number of crimes go unsolved and therefore it is difficult to quantify what percentage of those crimes occurred by gang members, since we don't know who committed the crime. Third, even on those cases we do investigate, we do not have the manpower to tally every crime that occurs on whether it is gang related or not; it would be an overwhelming task. Keeping all those things in mind, the average of about 17% of crime in 2009 was considered gang related for the following crimes only:
- DEATH HOMICIDE
- DEATH MANSLAUGHTER
- DEATH UNKNOWN
- ASSAULT 1ST
- KIDNAPPING
- UNLAWFUL IMPRISONMENT
- SHOOTING (DRIVE-BY)
- SHOOTING
- STABBING
- ASSAULT 2ND
- ASSAULT 3RD
- HOME-INVASION
- ROBBERY (PERSON)
- ROBBERY (COMMERCIAL)
- DRUGS (DELIVERY)
- DRUGS (MANUFACTURING)
- DRUGS (SALE)
- WEAPON (UNLAWFUL POS)
- WEAPON POSSESSION
- INTIMIDATION
- RIOT
Questions for Law Enforcement from the Spokane County Meth Action Team June 8 Event: State Of Substance Abuse in Spokane County Forum
1). How is DOC going to develop a release plan for offenders, known to be drug and alcohol addicted, that will place them in a more stable sober living structure other than saying the Christmas House, The Mission, etc.?
ANSWER: Today in the United States, we make up only five percent of the world's population, but we consume two-thirds of the world's illegal drugs. In addition, the United States having only five percent of world's population, incarcerate 25 percent of the world's prisoners. Most of these prisoners are incarcerated for narcotics. We need to look at alternatives on locking people up and not providing them with the tools for them to help them to succeed when they get out of prison. The 2010 National Drug Control Strategy calls for more funding in treatment and prevention, and recognizes that our current system to not working very well. With more federal funding being focused on reducing recidivism, more resources for transitional housing and other support for those needing treatment may be on the horizon.
2). Could it be a fact that chemically affected criminals are more easily caught while the sober ones get a way with criminal behavior?
ANSWER: Chemically affected criminals are the ones who can pose the biggest threats to our community. DUIs, gang violence, pharmacy robberies, and the increase of domestic violence are examples. Law enforcement has limited resources and will focus them on the biggest threats to our citizens.
3). How hard it is to monitor the medical marijuana shop(s)?
ANSWER: Monitoring the provisions of medical marijuana is time consuming and frustrating for law enforcement. Some defendants have used medical marijuana to mask their illegal activity such as trafficking, growing and use. Complex issues between federal and state laws that might have conflicting views that pertain to medical marijuana laws and regulations can be confusing. This also affects law enforcement's ability to prioritize their resources around this issue.
4). How many DUIs can one person get before they can no longer drive or have their license pulled forever?
ANSWER: The Washington State DUI laws are more severe than ever. According to the State of Washington Administrative Office of Court's DUI Sentencing Grid (RCW 46.61.5055 as amended through January 1, 2009) you can lose your drivers license up to 15 years with two to prior offenses.
5). Treatment providers doing the hands on work are underpaid – how do we provide a fair wage for these people?
ANSWER: The National Drug Control Strategy is calling for more treatment programs and hopefully there will be more funding in this area. Treatment works and it is a way to save tax dollars and keep people out of jail. It was not that long ago that the drug courts first started and are now they are growing faster than ever. As treatment becomes more of an alternative to prison, we will see more of a need for treatment providers and hopefully an increase in pay for those providing this valuable service to our community
6). Are law enforcement or criminal justice sectors (judges, prosecutors, police) required to take any formal substance abuse training? And if not, why is it that they are the ones making decisions about people's lives?
ANSWER: Today, all sworn law enforcement officers are require to complete a basic law enforcement academy/ Police Officer Standards Testing (POST) certified. All academies provide a basic substance abuse class that includes use, trafficking, and manufacturing. Some officers work full time in narcotics and can become a recognized drug expert and can testify in court as an expert. Prosecutors that handle drug cases look at law enforcement as the experts. Decisions about people's lives are made through the court systems that can best serve our communities by working collaboratively among all entities dealing with the impact of substance abuse. Prosecutors utilize constitutional laws in drug related case to insure a fair proceeding.
7). Legalization of marijuana and how it would affect law enforcement and our court system.
ANSWER: The legalization or decriminalization of drugs would make harmful, psychoactive, and addictive substances affordable, available, convenient, and marketable. It would expand the use of drugs. It would remove the social stigma attached to illicit drug use, and would send a message of tolerance for drug use, especially to youth. On March 4, 2010, ONDCP Director R. Gil Kerlikowske delivered a speech to the California Police Chiefs Association Conference. During his speech, he made it clear that the science, though still evolving, is clear: marijuana use is harmful. It is associated with dependence, respiratory and mental illness, poor motor performance, and cognitive impairment, among other negative effects. Drug Czar Kerlikowske also stated that while traveling the country, he has often heard from local treatment specialists that marijuana dependence is a major problem at call- in centers offering help for people using drugs.