Pence Headlines Fundraiser to Address Meth Problem in Montana

In order to help combat Montana’s methamphetamine crisis, Vice President Mike Pence pushed for a combination of tougher law enforcement and proper drug treatment for addicted individuals. During a visit to the state, the vice president met with and spoke to treatment providers, law enforcement, tribal officials, and patients recovering from addiction.

Pence heard harrowing stories of violence and child abuse—all linked to meth use—as he talked to the people of Billings, Montana. The visit was also aimed at raising campaign cash for a fellow Republican, Sen. Steve Daines.

They emphasized that the meth crisis has emerged as a much bigger problem in Montana compared to opioid abuse. The vice president noted that meth is now the driving force behind many violent crimes, as well as most cases of child neglect.

This is made even more significant by the fact that there is currently an opioid epidemic affecting the country. Over 130 Americans are dying every day due to opioid-related overdose. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed so far against big pharmaceutical companies for their alleged role in spreading the opioid problem. This includes Purdue Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, and Teva Pharmaceutical, among others.

Montana is among the states that filed lawsuits against some of these companies. But it is also apparent that the state is struggling with meth abuse as well.

This is why Pence said there would be crackdowns on meth traffickers. These crackdowns will be paired with programs that help people break the cycle of addiction. The vice president then pledged the administration’s support in confronting the issue.

“We’re gonna keep the help coming,” he said. “We can turn this around in Montana, and we will for the sake of our families and our nation.”

Appearing with Pence, Daines said that the issue had a connection with border protection. He credited the Trump administration with attacking the meth problem on all fronts. Click the link to see Newfield's top rehab placement programs.

“The homegrown meth at 25% purity we used to see in Montana has been replaced by Mexican cartel meth with purities north of 95%. It is far more potent, far more addicting,” he said. “We can’t keep up with the volume of meth that is out there on the streets of Montana.”

Pence later attended a private fundraiser for Daines at the offices of Lonewolf Energy in Billings. The oil company’s founder, Talbert Sizemore, has been a long-time financial supporter of Daines, who is up for re-election next year. Sizemore and his wife, Konnie, donated a combined $12,700 to Daines in the run-up to the Republican’s election to the House in 2012 and the Senate in 2014.

US Sen. Jon Tester did not attend the event but issued a statement criticizing the administration over proposed cuts to spending for efforts to enforce drug trafficking laws. “Montanans expect more than lip service,” Tester said.

The opioid crisis is now being considered the worst drug crisis in US history, with thousands of Americans dying each year. The epidemic is showing no signs of slowing down, and various states are seeking settlements from drug companies that allegedly used misleading marketing techniques to downplay the addictive properties of their opioid products.

But for now, Montana seems to be struggling with another type of drug problem, in addition to the deadly epidemic. The meth problem in Montana requires just as much attention as the opioid crisis.

If someone in the family is struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against drug abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.