The author(s) shown below used Federal funds provided by the U.S.

Department of Justice and prepared the following final report:

Document Title: Wyoming Methamphetamine Treatment Initiative

Author(s): Wyoming Office of the Attorney General ;

Wyoming Dept of Health and Social Services ;

Wyoming Dept of Probation and Parole

Document No.: 194103

Date Received: April 2002

Award Number: 99-RT-VX-0056

This report has not been published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

To provide better customer service, NCJRS has made this Federallyfunded grant final report available electronically in addition to

traditional paper copies.

Opinions or points of view expressed are those

of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect

the official position or policies of the U.S.

Department of Justice.
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Wyoming Methamphetamine 

Treatment Initiative 

October 1998 

Washington D.C. 

Developed by a Consortium of Wyoming Agencies, 

Including: 

hvernor’s Substance Abuse and Violent Crime Advisory Board 

The Office of the Governor 

The Office of the Attorney General 

The Office of the United States Attorney 

The Division of Criminal Investigation 

The Department of Corrections 

The Department of Health 

The Division of Behavioral Health 

The Department of Family Services 

The Division of Juvenile Services 

The Department of Education 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
OBJECTIVES: 

1 .Receive federal critique of Wyoming Methamphetamine Strategy. 

2. Secure funding for development of jail-based, intensive outpatient, and 

residential treatment programming for adult methamphetamine users and 

specialized services for adolescents in the context of a collaborative 

methamphetamine strategy tailored for rural America. 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

EXECUTKVESUMMARY ................................................... 0 

WYOMINGMETHAMPHETAMINE STRATEGY: 

MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM . RESPONSE TO DATE ................... 1 

BASIC FACTS ABOUT WYOMING ................................ 1 

SERVICE SYSTEMS ............................................ 1 

I . 

II . THE IMPACT OF METHAMPHETAMINE ON WYOMING’S HUMAN 

A . LawEdorcement 1 

1 . Growth of Methamuhetamine Use 1 

2 . Wvomina’s law enforcement structure - 

3 . Hiahwav Patrol Involvement ............................ 3 

4 . Role of the DEA ..................................... 3 

5 . Imuact on the State Crime Laboratory 3 

B . Education and Prevention 3 

C . Pub!.ic Treatment .......................................... 4 

D . Hospitals ................................................ 4 

E . JuvenileIndicators ......................................... 4 

F . PrisonPopulations ......................................... 5 

.......................................... 

........................ ? .................... 

.................... 

.................................... 

ID . WYOMING MOVES TO A BROAD-BASED . COORDINATED RESPONSE 

4 ............................................................ J 

A . Systematic Cata Collection: Needs and Response .................. 6 

B . Creating a Public Awareness Response .......................... 6 

IV . FORMULATION OF A PLAN 7 

A . PlanGod ................................................ 7 

B . SystemGaps .............................................. 7 

C . System Anchors ........................................... 7 

1 . Creating a treatment continuum addresses hard to serve and 

criminal muulations .................................. 7 

2 . Mandated treatment is an effective amroach to hard to serve 

poDulations ......................................... 8 

Proposed System Description ................................. 8 

Methamphetamine Initiative .................................. 8 

F . JaiVCommunity Intensive Outpatient Treatment 9 

V . CHED AND ADOLESCENT SERVICES 10 

Increased Intensive Supervision of Juvenile menders ............. 10 

Enhanced Substance Abuse Treatment at State Operated Juvenile 

Institutions .............................................. 10 

VI . PROGRAM EVALUATION 10 

BUDGETS PER PROGRAM ..................................... 12 

..................................... 

D . 

E . Residential Treatment Recommendations Included in the 

................... 

........................... 

A .............................. . Additional Foster Care Services 10 

B . 

C . 

...................................... 

VII . 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
A. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

E. 

F. 

G. 

H. 

LONG TERM RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM .................... 12 

JAIL-BASED AND INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT ................ 13 

CORRECTIONS AND COMPLIANCE CHECKS ................ 13 

DFS YOUTH PROGRAM .................................. 13 

....................................................... 14 

FOSTER CARE PROGRAM ................................ 15 

DIVISION OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION .................. 15 

TOTAL PROJECT SUMMARY BUDGET, BY YEAR ............ 16 

RESIDENTIAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAMS 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Introduction 

under siege. The surge of methamphetamine is generally from outside Wyoming, although 

clandestine labs are on the rise in Wyoming. Wyoming has already conducted significant 

research, assessment and evaluation into and continues to refine its response to this problem. A 

coordinated response by state, local, and federal law enforcement officials, legislators, treatment 

providers, health care providers and officials, corrections officials, welfare officials, education 

officials, court and judicial officials, civic leaders, business leaders and the Governor's 

Substance Abuse and Violent Crime Advisory Board make Wyoming an excellent candidate for 

demonstrating workable projects for a "rural states with limited resources" in response to the 

impact of methamphetamine. Our proposed coordinated response directly addresses Goals 1,2, 

and 3 of the 1997 National Drug Control Strategy set by the Office of National Drug Control 

Policy: to educate and enable America's youth to reject illegal drugs as well as alcohol and 

tobacco; increase the safety of America's citizens by substantially reducing drug-related crime 

and violence; and reduce health and social costs to the public of illegal drug use. 

Wyoming, along with other western and mid-westem states, has been and continues to be 

Wyoming Methamphetamine Facts 0 

0 

Between 1992 and 1998, methamphetamine investigations have increased by over 600%, 

Methamphetamine now accounzs for over 55% of thc Division of Criminal Investigation 

Cocaine users are switching to methamphetamine, with a DCI caseload of only 7%, 

Mexican methamphetamine has increased Hispanic drug arrests from 11% to 21%, 

Repeat drug offender arrests have increased from 30% to 45%, 

Drug related weapons arrests have increased dramatically, 

A definite correlation exists between methamphetamine and an increase in violent crime, 

Crime laboratory backlogs have more than tripled with the influx of methamphetamine, 

Some community treatment programs report methamphetamine involved with 50% to 

Drug induced hospital discharges have increased 42%, 

Juvenile arrests have increased 48% while national figures show a 12% decline, 

graders, and 

Wyoming 12"' graders use methamphetamine 3 to 5 times the national average. 

@CI) caseload, 0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

80% of admissions, 

0 

0 

Wyoming 8"' graders use methamphetamine more than the national average for l2* 

0 

Wyoming's Methamphetamine Treatment Initiative Proposal 0 Create two "front end", long term, intense, adult residential programs based on the 

therapeutic community model, 

programs to provide immediate intervention for methamphetamine or other druginvolved arrestees, 

therapeutic community programs and the early, jaillcommunity- based interventions for 

both general substance abuse clients and methamphetamine involved users, 

Create three drug courts and three, integrated, jail-based and intensive treatment 

0 Create three intensive outpatient treatment programs to fill the gaps betweem the 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
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0 Add six Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) Officers to adult Corrections to supervise 

Initiate two pilot Intensive Supervision Programs for juveniles and enhancement of 

Request additional resources to address the out of home placement costs of children who 

Integrate DARE with other anti-drug and prevention efforts in middle and high schools 

Establish a public awareness program including billboards and an 800 information - 

Maintain or increase Edward Byrne funding for the regional enforcement teams, 

Continue hnding for the Tri-Ethnic Center Community Readiness Methamphetamine 

and participate in the case management of these individuals, 

substance abuse services in juvenile correctional facilities, 

have essentially become “methamphetamine orphans” as a result of parental addiction, 

to support elementary school DARE efforts, 

reporting #, 

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Prevention Project. 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
WYOMING METHAMPHETAMINE STRATEGY: 

MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM - RESPONSE TO DATE 

I. BASIC FACTS ABOUT WYOMING 

The State of Wyoming contains approximately 100,000 square miles with slightly 

less than ‘/2 million residents. The entire state is defined as a frontier area based upon the 

population density. Wyoming’s most populous county contains approximately 75,000 people. 

The economy is driven primarily by mining, oil and gas, tourism, and government employment. 

There are more than 900 miles of interstate highway with about 400 miles forming the 1-80 

corridor as the dominant transportation route from California to the Midwest. Tourism, 

particularly to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks bring approximately 4 million 

people through Wyoming each year, primarily in the summer. Wyoming has not participated in 

the continuing upswing in the national economy. 

II THE IMPACT OF METHAMPHETAMINE ON WYOMING’S HUMAN 

SERVICE SYSTEMS 

The impact of methamphetamine use on Wyoming has been increasing dramatically. 

Multiple systems are now involved in working toward addressing the effects of this drug on our 

citizens and our youth and families. The specific effects attributable to methamphetamine are 

described below: 

A. Law Enforcement: 

1. Growth of Methamphetamine Use: 

Methamphetamine was not unknown prior to 1993, but it was in that year that 

undercover officers working Wyoming noted greater -- 

presence of methamphetamine and market forthe drug. 

Shortly thereafter, agents were regularly investigating 

methamphetamine cases with prosecution provided by 

county, district, and federal prosecutors. Law 

enforcement, particularly the Division of Criminal 

Investigation ( DCI) Regional Enforcement Teams 

(RET’S), were confronted with an explosion of 

methamphetamine use and methamphetamine 

traffkking. Methamphetamine investigations involving 

the RET’S rose from 15 % of the case load in Z 992 to 5 1 

% in 1997. Preliminary figures for 1998 suggest a 600% increase over 1992 figures. 

This trend has been accompanied by an increase in Hispanic offenders. In 1988, 

Hispanics accounted for 1 1.5% of those arrested for drug trafficking. By 1997, that figure had 

1 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
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risen to 21% with the state Hispanic population being only 6%. This increase reflects the 

national pattern of Mexican methamphetamine smuggled across the southwest border. 

Clandestine methamphetamine lab activity has also increased. For many years, 

Wyoming would seize one or two methamphetamine labs a year. However, in a six month 

period of 1998, Wyoming seized 10 methamphetamine labs. These varied in size from large 

sophisticated operations to small “kitchen counter” operations capable of producing a couple of 

ounces of methamphetamine. 

of methamphetamine increased significantly. It is not a situation of individuals possessing user 

quantities of the drug; instead, Wyoming is directly linked to major methamphetamine 

organizations. A recent investigation resulted in the arrests of several individuals operating 

between San Bernardino, California and Wyoming. Authorities were able to attribute over 200 

Ibs of methamphetamine, smuggled into Wyoming over an 18 month period, to this single 

organization. The social and economic impact of a case of this magnitude, on a state the size of 

Wyoming, is obvious. 

There is also a frustration with the rate of repeat drug offenders. In the late 1980’s 

through the early 199O’s, Wyoming’s repeat drug offender arrest rate was steady at 29 to 30%. 

By 1997, the repeat drug offender arrest rate had risen to 43%. Preliminary figures for 1998 

suggest that this figure is continuing to rise. 

Along with the increase in the number of methamphetamine investigations, the quantities 

The increase in drug trafficking, particularly 

methamphetamine, is not a problem that can be dealt 

with in isolation. There are many associated social, 

economic, and crime problems. One of the most 

troublesome is the irrefutable correlation between drug 

and assault arrests. This relationship holds true for both 

juveniles and adults. Methamphetamine is definitely the 

catalyst for the increase in violent crimes and use of 

weapons. 

Methamphetamine trafficking is also responsible for the backlog that is now present in 

many areas of the criminal justice arena. The backlog in the DCI State Crime Laboratory has 

risen from 30 days to over 100 days. The increase in drug cases rose from 45% to 67% of the 

caseload. 

traffickers from our communities while emphasizing the deterrent effect of investigations and 

prosecutions. Consequently, they are the greatest contributors of clients to the treatment system. 

The clear indication is that the current treatment programs available are not sufficient and/or 

are not effective and must, he re-evaluated. 

Law enforcement has concentrated on its traditional role of removing predators and 

2 Wyoming’s law enforcement structure: 

Like most of the United States, Wyoming’s primary law enforcement structure 

consists of county sheriffs and city police departments. These local departments are supported 

2 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
by the Wyoming Highway Patrol and Division of Criminal Investigation, both of which have 

specific authority as outlined by state statute. There is also a limited presence of federal 

authorities representing the various federal enforcement agencies. In 1987, with the inception of 

the Edward Byrne Grant, the Governor’s Substance Abuse and Violent Crime Advisory Board 

made the decision that cooperative task forces would be the number one priority of Wyoming’s 

drug enforcement efforts. These task forces are called Regional Enforcement Teams and are 

unique in that they are all supervised by the DCI and operate under standardized policies, 

procedures, and reporting while using compatible radios, electronics, and surveillance 

equipment. This has proven to be a very effective and efficient method of operation with 90% 

of local departments still participating after ten years of existence. 

Local enforcement agencies enforce controlled substance laws through uniformed patrol 

arrests and contribute personnel and drug information to the DCI Regional Teams. The RET’s 

consist of a DCI Team Leader, 2 or 3 state agents and between 3 and 6 sheriff and police 

department personnel. With the Wyoming Attorney General lacking original criminal 

prosecution authority, prosecutions may be handled by county and district attorneys, or the U.S. 

Attorney. Prosecutors are involved early in the investigative decision process. This has resulted 

in a prosecution rate of 95% with a conviction rate of 96%. Currently, RET drug investigations 

account for approximately 90% of the U.S. Attorney’s drug prosecution caseload. The 

partnership formed between the RETS and the various prosecutors has created a formidable force 

in Wyoming drug enforcement. 

3. Hinhwav Patrol Involvement: 

The over 400 miles of interstate highway 80 presents a significant enforcement 

problem for the Wyoming Highway Patrol. This major west - east route carries huge amounts of 

illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. Highway interdiction efforts have resulted in many 

large seizures and major interstate investigations. The Highway Patrol contacts the closest RET 

for support after making a highway interdiction. Special Agents then attempt to track the drugs 

from source to destination, utilizing various out of state local, state, and federal law enforcement 

agencies. 

4. Role of the DEA: 

The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration has one supervisor and only four 

agents assigned to Wyoming. They work out of federal offices in Cheyenne and Casper. A 

proposal is currently being drafted that would co-locate DEA Agents with the RET’s. 

5. Impact on the State Crime Laboratory 

Methamphetamine cases and samples have 

caused an unacceptable back-log (468 chemistry tests) in 

the crime laboratory. The turn-around time that used to 

be thirty (30) days has risen to over one hundred (100) 

days. High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) 

funds have been used to purchase two new GC Mass 

Spectrometers with automaters. One is currently 

3 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
operational while the second is on order. Preliminary estimates from the chemists suggest that 

Wyoming will be back to a thirty (30) day turn-around in about one year’s time. 

B. Education and Prevention: 

D.A.R.E. in our schools. D.A.R.E. is currently offered in sixty-two (62) elementary schools, 

fourteen (14) middle schools and five (5) high schools. This does not provide a complete 

picture, however, because other programs are also offered through local schools and through 

local substance abuse programs. 

law enforcement. Most Wyoming law enforcement agencies are composed of twelve (12) or less 

officers. This makes it difficult to provide D.A.RE. officers. Most agencies have chosen to 

commit to the elementary school children and thereby provide a good foundation. 

Unfortunately, D.A.R.E. commitments decrease as students reach middle and high schools and 

peer pressure increases. 

Local police and sheriffs departments have accepted the responsibility for providing 

The manpower expenditure necessary for D.A.R.E. does pose a problem for Wyoming 

C. Public Treatment: 

of dysfunction in addition to their addiction, Le., sleep disturbance, impulsive and erratic 

behavior, malnourishment, short term memory disruption, hcstility, behavioral disruption and 

depression. In some instances their behavior is indistinguishable from paranoid schizophrenia. 

Social and occupational functioning show progressive deterioration. Their illegal drug use ofien 

has resulted in multiple involvements with the criminal jusrice system. 

Wyoming’s public substance abuse treatment system is small and limited in the range of 

services available. The community based public system consists of: limited traditional 

outpatient services available in each of the 23 counties; 48 adult residential beds providing 28-30 

day primary treatment; 30 transitionaVhalfway house beds; and 8 primary residential treatment 

beds for adolescents. Small “intensive outpatient programs” are avrulable in several of our 

larger communities but in the majority of Wyoming counties the treatment system is comprised 

of one or two counselors. While we have always treated “drug and polydrug users” the system 

has traditionally been dominated by individuals whose primary drug of abuse is alcohol. 

Community treatment programs in the designated HlDTA counties report increasing 

percentages of all clients treated as being involved with methamphetamine. In some instances 

the methamphetamine involved clients represent in excess of 50 % to 80% of all admissions, 

contrasted to the national 3.5 YO proportion reported in 1996 Treatment Episode Data Set (office 

of Applied Studies 1998). The impact is most apparent in our residential component. 

Outpatient programs in other areas of the state also report methamphetamine abuse as a growing 

proportion of the clients presen~ng for trwtment The rise in the proportion of 

methamphetamine treatment admissions inhicates that these individuals develop rapid, 

pronounced dysfunction and ne4 for treatment once methamphetamine use begins. The 

urgency of their treatment needs, combined with their frequent multiple encounters with the 

criminal justice system make development of an improved treatment response of highest 

Methamphetamine users frequently enter community based treatment with various types 

priority. 

4 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
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D. Hospitals: 

Wyoming’s Social Indicator Study (1 998) reports that drug-induced hospital discharges 

have increased 42% in the last decade in Wyoming. Much of the growth can be credited to the 

dramatic increase in methamphetamine abuse. These are cases that have made it beyond the 

emergency room and have required inpatient admission for their condition. The 1995-1997 rate 

is 235 discharges per 100,000. Also, an analysis of emergency room contacts in Natrona 

County indicates a methamphetamine related rate that is ten times higher than DAWN data 

reported for Denver or the U.S. in 1996. 

E. Juvenile Indicators: 

Wyoming’s drug involved arrest rate for juveniles 

has gone from being 55% below the US rate a decade agc 

to 5% above the U.S. rate in the 1995-1997. Juvenile 

arrests for the most serious and violent crimes and 

property offenses have risen 48% over the past decade, 

while nationwide arrests for these offenses declined 12% 

in the same period. The other assault rate for Wyoming 

juveniles has grown three times faster than the rest of the 

nation . 

IhcDivisiun or Crimtnnl I 

School survey data indicates an alarming level of use of methamphetamine by 

Wyoming’s young people. Based on the recent survey of all 6th, 8th, loth, and 12th graders in 

fourteen randomly selected school districts, our eighth graders report using methamphetamine at 

a higher rate than 12th graders nationwide This holds true at all levels of use, whether lifetime, 

past year or past month. 

issues at the correctional facilities for girls and boys. Currently 59% of the girls at the 

Wyoming Girls School and 5 1 % of the boys at Wyoming Boys School report using 

methamphetamine. Family services has also documented a growing number of youngsters in 

both short and long term foster care placement due to parental methamphetamine use. 

The Department of Family Services has noted an increase in juveniles with drug related 

F. Prison Populations: 

community to serve both male and female inmates. The program has a planned minimum 

duration of 7.5 months. Admission is based upon voluntary application of individuals whose 

sentence structure ensures their eligibility for release upon successful program completion. 

Program outcome data demonstrates significant effectiveness, with only three of the seventy- six 

graduates having been convicted of a new crime and only a 20% revocation/ re-incarceration 

rate. This unit shows a 2 1% increase over three years in the designation of methamphetamine as 

either the primary or secondary drug of choice by participants; in 1996,46% named 

methamphetamine; in 1997, 50% named methamphetamine; and in 1998,67% named 

In 1995 the Wyoming State penitentiary opened a 28 bed long term modified therapeutic 

5 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
methamphetamine. Approximately 36% of all admissions to this unit self-report 

methamphetamine as the primary drug of abuse. 

111. WYOMING MOVES TO A BROAD-BASED. COORDINATED RESPONSE 

During a discussion with the Appropriations Committee of the Wyoming legislature, DCI 

Director Tom Page1 discussed the methamphetamine problem as part of an enforcement request. 

The Appropriations Committee requested he assemble a plan through which Wyoming could 

address this growing problem. The plan, which became known as “Wyoming’s 

Methamphetamine Initiative”, was developed and presented to this committee. This plan was 

created by a collaborative effort of DCI, the Department of Health, Department of Family 

Services, and Department of Corrections, and has been the basis of continuing coordinated work 

toward addressing this problem. The specifics are described in a later section. 

illegal drugs. Three years ago, a felony possession bill was passed that made possession of 

certain amounts of powder drugs a felony. They were also successful in increasing the penalties 

for methamphetamine to those of a Schedule I drug. This year, they will consider legislation 

specifically dealing with clandestine methamphetamine labs. 

Overall, Wyoming has been able to fashion a comprehensive, coordinated and multijurisdictional response to the growing epidemic of methamphetamine. A retrospective analysis 

makes our response appear more strategic and plan-driven than it actually is. As a practical 

matter, the Wyoming response has come in waves as various entities have become aware of the 

nature and magnitude of the methamphetamine/drug problem in Wyoming and much of rural 

America. 

Initially, Wyoming’s response took the form of actions by particular groups as their area 

of concern was impacted, i.e. law enforcement responded to crime, hospitals responded to 

increased admissions, treatment centers attempted to cope with the treatment and medical needs 

of methamphetamine users and began to discuss tailored programs. The practical result of this 

experience has been a realization that a coordinated response is the only hope of dealing with the 

scope of this problem. 

The Wyoming Legislature has been responsive to the increasingly negative impact of 

A. 

problem, but were frustrated by the lack of corroborating 

data. The Governor’s Substance Abuse and Violent 

Crime Advisory Board decided to begin a systematic 

effort to develop a statistical rather than simply anecdotal 

definition of the problem. 

Systematic Data Collection: Needs and Response 

Wyoming authorities felt that they had a huge 

In 1996 the Governor’s Substance Abuse and 

Violent Crime Advisory Board contracted with Bernard 

Ellis and Associates to conduct various studies, focusing 

6 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
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initially on analysis of all Wyoming substance abuse indicator data. This effort now finded by 

The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment as a Treatment Needs Assessment contract has 

allowed us to conduct a “family” of research studies. The studies are designed to assist the state 

in determining substance use, dependence and treatment demand. The research has identified 

several areas of concern and information gaps. 

One of the most disturbing research results is a school survey that indicates Wyoming 

8th, loth, and 12th graders far exceed the national average for the use of methamphetamine. 

Wyoming high school seniors are five times more likely to have used methamphetamine in the 

past month as other seniors across the country. (1 997 Wyoming Adolescent School Survey.) 

Ever Used Methamphetamine Methamphetamine Last Year 

1s 

12 

=9 

I 

26 

3 

0 

Grade 

15, I I I I I 

Methamphetamine Last 30 Days 

15 

12 

=9 

E! 

is 

3 

’ W12 WlO W8 wy6 US12 Gra6? 

Another study, using a multiple recapture sampling methodology, provides a preliminary 

estimate of potentially 5 - 6,000 adult methamphetamine users in need of treatment. The 

estimate suggests almost 40% of those in need of treatment are under the age of 30 years. Based 

upon the overall estimates, it appears only 10% of those in need of treatment receive treatment. 

(Multiple Recapture Sampling for the Prevalence of Substance Abuse and Dependence: Phase 1 

Results, 1998.) 

Several additional studies are in various stages of implementation. We will soon begin 

testing adult arrestees in Natrona County as a part of our Needs Assessment process, and we 

have finished data collection in our study of women of childbearing age. Preliminary findings 

from the womens study indicate alarming methamphetamine abuse and dependence rates in this 

vulnerable population. 

B. 

particularly DCI Director Pagel, began to travel the state speaking to local governments, 

Creating a Public Awareness Response: 

Armed with data and real life anecdotal evidence, many Wyoming people, but 

7 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
business groups, and civic organizations about the methamphetamine problem. 

by a wide variety of groups, was held on April 27th and 28th, 1998. More than 600 people 

attended. Follow-up community presentations have been conducted by Director Page1 in 

virtually every county of the state. The Governor’s Substance Abuse and Violent Crime 

Advisory Board has held town meetings in a variety of communities to solicit feedback on the 

methamphetamine proposal and to discuss the local impact of the methamphetamine problem. 

leaders, has chosen the impact of substance abuse and domestic problems on the business 

community as the topic for their upcoming 16th annual public forum on November 19-20, 1998. 

This forum is expected to draw over 700 business leaders from across the state. Members of the 

Governor’s Substance Abuse and Violent Crime Advisory Board will play an active role in the 

presentations with the goal of involving these business leaders as community partners in our 

efforts to fight methamphetamine abuse. 

turning in pushers, and has organized a billboard awareness and education campaign in the 

HIDTA counties (Laramie, Sweetwater and Natrona). Local substance abuse providers with 

prevention staff people will help with the education and billboard projects 

Fort Collins, Colorado, a broad based effort is underway to organize prevention activities in 

Wyoming communities. Initial efforts using the “community readiness modeI”, a nationally 

recognized ‘best practice’ prevention strategy, are targeted to the fourteen areas where the school 

survey process has been completed. The Tri-Ethnic Center plans to continue to add resources 

over the next several years to work with the remaining Wyoming communities. The project is 

designed to assist communities in planning effective prevention activities and to track the 

response of a small state to a drug epidemic. 

A statewide conference, organized by The Division of Behavioral Health and sponsored 

The Wyoming Heritage Foundation , a statewide organization of business and civic 

DCI is about to institute an 800 number for both treatment referral information and for 

With the assistance of the National Institute of Drug Abuse and the Tri-Ethnic Center of 

IV. FORMULATION OF A PLAN: 

A. Plan Goal: 

methamphetamine abuse. 

Adequate and appropriate treatment to directly address the needs of those afRicted with 

B. System Gaps: 

treatment, immediate post-arrest jail-based intervention, intensive outpatient programming, 

additional Intensive Supervised Parole Agents for both adult and juvenile criminal justice 

populations, and additional foster care resources for kids abandoned by methamphetamine 

affected parents as the missing pieces in Wysming’s efforts to respond to the increasing 

problems caused by methamphetamine. A Wyoming team, consisting of enforcement, 

corrections and treatment staff made a site visit to Center Point of San Rafael, California, where 

they were shown that long term residential therapeutic community treatment could be effective 

in treating methamphetamine addiction. 

Wyoming officials have identified: long term residential therapeutic community 

8 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
C. System Anchors: 

1. 

The utilization of a jail-based drug court and treatment intervention program, complete 

Creating; a treatment continuum addresses hard to serve and criminal wuulations. 

with criminal justice sanctions, is a natural conduit into a Therapeutic Community program. The 

Therapeutic Community residential treatment program will be supported by local treatment 

programs who will join together with additional Intensive Supervised Parole (ISP) Agents to 

provide structured aftercare management for program graduates. Wyoming’s Department of 

Corrections has adopted the Reasoning and Rehabilitation program, developed in Ottawa 

,Canada, as an essential component of their community and institutional treatment response. 

This approach, coupled with the increased surveillance and monitoring of ISP program, will 

provide for intensive structured supervision for the corrections population during and post 

treatment. 

2. Mandated treatment is an effective aDuroach to hard to serve DoDulations. 

Because of the persistent link between drug abuse and crime, planned programs will be 

available as a requirement of probation and an alternative to incarceration. We believe that 

effective treatment and intervention wil! require much closer collaboration and coordination with 

all other agencies within the criminal justice system, courts, probation and parole, and 

community corrections. Treatment responses will be mutually planned and will include 

strategies to address significant elements of criminality in order to improve treatment outcomes 

and reduce recidivism. Research (Anglin & Maugh, 1992) indicates that the use of “mandated” 

or “coerced” treatment as part of the criminal justice system sanctions is one of the best and most 

cost effective approaches to breaking the cycle of drug use and crime. Mandated treatment has 

demonstrated comparable and at times superior outcomes to self-referral. We believe that the 

entry into the criminal justice system presents a major opportunity to provide substance abuse 

treatment to an otherwise elusive populaticn. Use of the crisis created by interaction with the law 

and leverage available through the criminal justice system is an opportunity to initiate treatment 

and long term recovery. 

D. Proposed System Description: 

finding of two adult long term (minimum of six month) Therapeutic Community (TC) 

residential programs, an improved capacity to address substance abuse within juvenile 

correctional facilities, and three jail-based intervention and intensive outpatient programs to 

complement the therapeutic communities in areas impacted by the high levels of 

methamphetamine use and treatment demand. Currently three Wyoming counties, Sweetwater, 

Natrona and Laramie are designated as Methamphetamine High Intensity Drug Trafficking 

Areas (PIIDTA’s). 1 Additional Wyoming counties are being considered for inclusion in,this . , 

designation based upon the rapid escalation in methamphetamine use and arrest rates. 

used to address the out of home placement costs of children who have essentially become 

“methamphetamine orphans.” 

The Methamphetamine Initiative includes a recommendation for the development and 

Two pilot adolescent ISP programs will be implemented, and additional resources will be 

9 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
E. Residential Treatment Recommendations Included in the Methamphetamine 

Initiative: 

While we recognize that no singular treatment approach is appropriate for all 

methamphetamine users, effective treatment shares the common elements of increases in the 

structure, frequency, intensity, and duration of services. The availability of a continuum of 

services from outpatient through long term treatment to continuing aftercare has been shown to 

be extremely effective and is essential if we are to more effectively address our problems with 

methamphetamine. Retention in a structured program of longer length coupled with a long term 

structured continuing care program of one year minimum length is known to improve the 

recovery outcomes. Due to high relapse rates and frequent multiple drug and alcohol abuse 

patterns associated with methamphetamine abuse, outpatient programs should include frequent 

and random monitoring by urine and breath alcohol testing to insure program compliance. 

The therapeutic cummunity (TC), a value- based, highly structured and well supervised, 

adult long term residential treatment program, is an essential component missing from 

Wyoming’s treatment continuum. The TC emphasis on multi-dimensional change in the areas of 

abstinence, social responsibility, “right living,” and moral development matches the array of 

needs of the methamphetamine users currently in our treatment system. The program values of 

honesty, personal responsibility and accountability, economic self-reliance, community 

involvement and good citizenship provide a solid structure and complement Wyoming’s 

restorative justice emphasis. This model of treatmen& because of its longer term and its focus 

beyond abstinence to the development of pro-social values and behaviors, has proven to be 

particularly effective in working with the user involved with the criminal justice system. The 

TC program appears to be particularly well suited to ?he needs of the population of 

methamphetamine users flooding our system. 

Center Point has agreed to work closely with Wyoming in establishing programming of 

this nature. This mentoring relationship will include orientation and training of a core team of 

Wyoming clinical professionals. Center Point will also be available to provide consultation in 

program design, stafT recruitment, implementation issues and operations. Staff of the Wyoming 

State Hospital will provide clinical backup and support in the development of TC programs. 

F. JaiVCommunity Intensive Outpatient Treatment: 

Available substance abuse treatment for those imprisoned and incarcerated is limited 

both nationally and in Wyoming. Intervention at the time of the crisis created by arrest is an 

effective early opportunity to assess chemical dependency and engage individuals in 

participation in a voluntary treatment program operated within the jail setting. 

In addition to intervention with incarcerated individuals, communities need the capacity 

to provide structured, intensive, outpatient treatment; transitional, and continuing care services 

for both the general population and those involved With the criminal. justice system. The , , , 

increased structure, intensity, and duration of the intensive outpatient services are essential 

elements in dealing with the highly involved user. 

methamphetamine users, are adaptations of highly structured intensive programs, originally 

It appears that the majority of outpatient approaches, with evidence of effectiveness with 

10 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
I 

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developed to treat cocaine and other stimulant abuse. The most prominent is the outpatient 

model developed by the Matrix Institute on Addictions. The model is based on the principles of 

cognitive behavioral psychology and is standardized, manualized and sequenced. We will 

evaluate this and similar models that can be utilized in jail, community settings or in a combined 

approach. 

The Methamphetamine Initiative includes the recommendation for development of 

intensive outpatient jaiycommunity programs in the three designated High Intensity counties: 

Sweetwater, Natrona and Laramie. Additional staff and resources are necessary to develop an 

adequa?e outpatient response that will begin with assessment and voluntary treatment services 

within the jail system or community prior to adjudication and sentencing. The program will also 

serve traditional community referrals and provide aftercare services using an intensive, 

structured approach that would include case management, monitoring, and coordination with the 

criminal justice system. 

V. CHILD AND ADOLESCENT SERVICES: 

The Department of Family Services is proposing the development of three (3) distinct 

service approaches that cover children’s needs across a continuum including additional foster 

care services for “methamphetamine orphans”, intensive supervision of juvenile offenders, and 

enhanced substance abuse treatment at state operated juvenile institutions. 

A. Additional Foster Care Services: 

families and children, specifically to decrease their ability to remain family units. Based on 

ament incidents, the Department anticipates an increase in out-of-home placement demand, 

with focus in the foster care arena. Monetary support for methamphetamine related increases in 

foster care demand will be requested by DFS during the upcoming 1999 Legislative session. 

Projections indicate an impact of 30 children per month requiring foster care services as a result 

of methamphetamine use by their adult care giver. 

We recognize that a hrther increase in adult arrest and incarceration rates will impact 

B. Increased Intensive Supervision of Juvenile Offenders: 

We propose two community based pilot programs that focus on intensive supervision of 

juvenile offenders identified as high risk to self and/or community due to substance abuse, with 

emphasis on methamphetamine. These pilots will pattern themselves after the successful 

Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) presently operated within adult conrections. Electronic 

monitoring, testing for substance use, and high levels of direct contact are keystones of these 

pilots. 

C. Enhanced Substance Abuse Treatment at State Operated Juvenile Institutions: 

Limited substance abuse services se psezittly Frovided at both state operated juvenile 

institutions. During calendar year 1997, a total of 373 juvenile offenders were served by both 

facilities. It is estimated that at least 50% have a history of methamphetamine use. Each 

institution operates a separate housing unit for residents who have a serious substance abuse 

problem. To effectively address the treatment needs of these adolescents, DFS proposes the 

11 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
R 

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hiring of two licensed addiction specialists for each unit at each facility. 

VI. PROGRQM EVALUATION: 

Our plan includes the use of a common clinical assessment and evaluation process and 

client centered post treatment outcome measures across programs. An interesting opportunity 

exists for the possible evaluation of Wyoming’s overall efforts to address the methamphetamine 

problem. Almost two years of data exists for graduates of the Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) 

which is operated at the prison. The “front end” Therapeutic Community model we propose will 

be an alternative to prison rather than a program, such as the IW, to prepare people for release. 

Both of these program types could be compared to each other and to the intensive out-patient 

programs on effectiveness measures. 

We understand that the process of program development is as important as outcomes. 

We wil! keep track of the impediments and opportunities as we implement these programs. We 

welcome the involvement of federal partners in the development of the evaluation component. 

12 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The 1998 Methamphetamine Initiative 

Treatment Continuum 

Deparbnent of Comctknr 

lnstltutional 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
WYOMING METHAMPHETAMINE INITIATIVE COST BREAK-DOWN 

I. EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS: $3,460,563. 

Training in common substance abuse assessment tool for all populations - Health. 

Outpatient Counseling for all populations - Health. 

Intensive Outpatient Programs for stronger interventions for all populations - 

Health. 

Residential 28 day programs for moderately substance involved individuals of all 

ages - Health. 

Half-way House Residential Transitional for those returning from residential 

treatment - Health. 

Outpatient Aftercare and Relapse Prevention Counseling for all populations - 

Health. 

Intensive Supervision Program for criminal justice populations - Corrections. 

Foster Care Increases for methamphetamine-involved families - Family Services. 

Additional Agent and Scientific Analyst to manage increased methamphetamine 

arrests - DCI. 

A. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

E. 

F. 

G. 

H. 

I. 

IL NEW PROGRAMMING PROPOSED TO FILL SERVICE GAPS ($2,389,437) 

A. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

E. 

F. 

Long Term Residential Programs for acutely substance involved populations, 

mostly criminal justice involved - Health: $980,720. 

Intensive Supervision Program for criminal justice system involved children - 

Family Services: $348,214. 

Jail - Based Intervention and Intensive Outpatient Programs for any incarcerated 

person thought to be substance involved, ages 12 and up - Health: $392,360. 

Drug Courts for drug involved adults and children who are arrested - Health: 

$320,000. 

Substance Abuse Treatment Programs at Boys and Girls Schools - Family 

Services: $212,840. 

State oversight/monitoring/coordination - Health: $135,303, 

III. ADDITIONAL ACTNITIES IN PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION FOR 

CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES 

A. UPLIFT program for early screening and early intervention for children with 

emotional disturbances - statewide (Federal Grant, 3 years) 

B. NIDA will fbnd eight prevention staff for the Division of Behavioral Health to 

assist most of the communities in Wyoming to organize drug prevention program 

efforts using the Community Readiness Model, which is a natural partner for the 

Community Asset Building work wrrently being done across the state. 

The Substance Abuse Block Grant will be increased by $800,000 in the coming 

year, and this money will be used to enhance prevention and treatment efforts for 

the general populations. 

Edward Byrne grant for continuation of the regional enforcement teams. 

HIDTA grant for methamphetamine impacted counties. 

C. 

D. 

E. 

$RO$ERPY OF 

Nationat criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) 

Box 6090 

&?-y-;t\, $iz bjn 29~4?-?090 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official

This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view

This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.