NCJ Number
231981
Date Published
2008
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This publication intends to motivate and guide communities in organizing and acting to successfully prevent and treat methamphetamine abuse by suggesting strategies, resources, and best practices, and describing case studies of effective coalitions.
Abstract
The report first describes the features of methamphetamine as a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It has a range of possible side effects that include decreased appetite, convulsions, dangerously high body temperature, stroke, irregular heartbeat, and cramps. The science of meth addiction is addressed in detail. This is followed by an overview of how meth addiction can impact an entire community through theft offenses to support meth purchases, deteriorating work habits, and neglect and abuse within families. In addition, the presence of meth labs in a community creates environmental contamination. The scope of methamphetamine abuse is then discussed. According to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 5.8 percent of the U.S. population ages 12 or older have used methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime for nonmedical purposes. Other topics discussed are the pattern of recovery from meth addiction and strategies for change. The strategies for change are universally applicable and are intended for both States that currently have serious meth abuse problems and those States that are interested in guarding against meth abuse. The concluding section describes educational/media materials suitable for use by community coalitions in their efforts to use best practices for preventing and treating meth abuse. 20 notes and a listing of resources materials