Burnet asks Maggie Fleming…
Meth
What will you do to combat meth abuse in the county?
— Burnet
Response
Maggie Fleming
I handled a number of child abuse cases during my years as a prosecutor. I learned that for some, abuse can lead to use of alcohol and drugs, including meth. It is critical that victims of abuse have access to counselling services. Money is available for counselling through a statewide victim fund but not everyone who is victimized is able to follow through with those services. I would seek to improve the availability of counselling because addressing the reasons why a person might use drugs is better than dealing with the substance abuse issues.
I will also work with the juvenile court and probation department to educate people about methamphetamine.
The best method to combat methamphetamine abuse is treatment. I plan to work with Probation, Dept of Health and Human Services and non-profits to find the means to fund treatment programs for those abusing methamphetamine. For those who are in the criminal justice system, I will recommend to the Court that treatment be required. Realignment funds are to be used in part to establish treatment programs. Many courts have found early treatment to be effective in combatting methamphetamine abuse. There is also a drop in other criminal activity once the person is off the drug.
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