A Powerful New Resource In The Battle Against Methamphetamine

April 20, 2007 (PRLEAP.COM) Health News
All Positive Options, an organization involved in addiction and recovery will launch a new on-line resource called The International Collaboration On Methamphetamine, on April 30th, 2007.

Company spokesperson Jim Stephens says "While this initiative is international in scope, the primary purpose is to create a common platform and solution exchange for stakeholders in the meth issue at the individual community level. That's who benefits the most, because that's where the destructive effects of all drugs are most keenly felt. This is simply about ‘synergy’, where the whole becomes greater than the sum of the parts. "

He adds, "Coalitions, task forces, treatment providers, researchers, first-responders, educators - virtually anyone involved in meth issue, will have direct access to the most current and accurate information, and the ability to share and exchange information with each other. In effect, we don't just see this as a solution, we see it as a solution that empowers every other solution."

"Given today's technology, there's no reason why everyone involved in this issue, despite their location, budget, or other constraints, shouldn't be able to share and exchange quality information with every other person involved, including recognized experts. Not every community can afford to send people to conferences and seminars in far-off destinations. And this is going to be comparable to having an ongoing, world-class conference and seminar at your fingertips, whenever you need it."

He added, "Our own web site has the most comprehensive and current information on methamphetamine anywhere. Yet we had to devote six full pages just to the misinformation, distortions and misconceptions surrounding this drug."

Stephens points out that collaboration is critical today in developing anything, from cures for diseases to computer software. And he feels it's time the concept was applied to drug awareness, treatment, education and prevention. “There's always been tremendous effort in those areas, but very little collaboration. No single entity out there knows everything about meth, but collectively, we have all the answers."

For what amounts to less than one dollar per day, members of the collaboration will have access to forum rooms, be able to communicate by email, instant messaging, voice over internet phone, and even through video with other members if they so choose.

"This is going to eliminate anyone having to "re-invent the wheel, "Stephens says. "If you're just putting together your community response and strategy for meth, you don't have to start from scratch – other members will have already done what you’re trying to do. No matter what directions you're taking with methamphetamine, you don't have to cover ground that's already been covered, and you sure don't have to make mistakes that others have already made. And unfortunately, that’s what’s happening now in many regions."

"This is really about people with a common purpose sharing their wisdom, insight and experience with each other, and the benefits from that process are virtually unlimited."
For more information, you can visit the specific page for the Collaboration on their web site at:

http://www.allpositiveoptions.com/APOMeth34.htm