The manufacturing of methamphetamine is apparently becoming quite a common occurrence in this and most other communities.

A very dangerous procedure both during the processing and the after effects.

It is quite disturbing to see such activities in our community and to see that those involved in such practices are even doing so in front of and with small children.

Just about every week there are stories of arrests either for making or using.

Last week there was a story where meth was being made in portable labs, as they call it, and then these labs being discarded on property owned by others.

This spreads the danger beyond those who use the drug and their families to joggers, farmers, and others in the community.

The chemicals in these bottles are explosive and corrosive.

The grand jury this month indicted several here in Russell County for manufacturing. It is really sad when you see so many young lives being destroyed by such a drug and to see it become such a common occurrence.

How do we stop it?

For those involved now, we probably do not stop it, we can place them in jail and we can attempt to rehabilitate those now using, but the reality is we will not stop it. Our programs will rehabilitate some but so many will not be helped.

For our youth, we can stop a big majority by informing and educating them.

We can  educate our young people and we can inform and educate the parents.

We cannot expect the police and our court  systems to take care of the problem, just as we cannot expect our schools to do the job of the parents.

Parents must get involved to educate themselves and to properly educate their children.

The best way we know this can be done is to get involved and the best way to do this is through the Partners in Prevention drug abuse prevention program.

For how you can help call them at 343-6247