Related Guides on this Topic
You may also want to see this guide on a related topic: Substance Abuse
Introduction
One of the nation's most dangerous drugs is methamphetamine. Use of this drug is high, especially in rural areas.
Its use is increasing among populations not previously known to use illegal drugs.
The production of methamphetamine can be found anywhere - apartments, suburban settings, garages, hotels, rented storage spaces, and warehouses.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, data from the 2008 Monitoring the Future Study shows methamphetamine use declined among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders this year. Methamphetamine use has been declining in these populations since it was first added to the study in 1999. The annual prevalence rates in 2008 for methamphetamine are 2.3 percent, 2.4 percent, and 2.8 percent in grades 8, 10, and 12, respectively (2008 Monitoring the Future Study, Table 5).
In 2008, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, 6,783 seizures of methamphetamine labs occurred, many of which were in rural areas.
The encouraging news is that in 2006, there were 7347 seizures, and in 2005, there were 12,619 seizures. Despite this decline, methamphetamine is highly toxic and addicting, and statistics are still alarming.
Use of methamphetamines can result in serious health conditions, including memory loss, aggression, violence, psychotic behavior,
spreading sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS,
and potential heart and neurological damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tools
Drug Facts: Methamphetamine
Web site
Provides data on methamphetamine use, including extent of use, health effects, treatment, and more.
Frontline: The Meth Epidemic
Web site
Investigates how and why meth use is a problem in the United States. Includes an overview on how meth destroys the body, frequently asked questions, interviews, and a state-by-state map.
Meth Action Clearinghouse
Database
Raises public awareness helps counties respond to the nation's methamphetamine drug epidemic. Provides research, resources, surveys, articles, news, monthly newsletter, and legislation.
Meth Project
Web site
Consists of a large-scale prevention program aimed at reducing first-time meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach. Includes state-specific campaigns to educate youth about the dangers of meth use.
Methamphetamine
Web site
Provides resources on methamphetamine including an overview, readings, hotline, reports, and publications.
Methamphetamine Resources, Tools & Information
Web site
Serves as a gateway for current information about the dangers of meth and its effects on society, our communities, neighborhoods, homes, and families.
MethResources.gov
Web site
Contains nation-wide and state-wide publications, research, events, conferences, programs, funding, training, policies, and community involvement regarding methamphetamine.
Mind Over Matter: Methamphetamine
Web site
Designed for children in grades five to nine. Explains what methamphetamine is, the effects of this drug, and how it changes the brain.
National Indian Country Methamphetamine Initiative
Web site
Serves as a national advertisement campaign against methamphetamine in Indian Country.
Funding
Inactive Funding
Inactive Funding Opportunities -
Lists additional funding programs for this topic that are not currently accepting applications. Programs that are inactive may be offered again in the future.
Regulations, Forms & Other Useful Documents
Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005
This bill, from the Drug Enforcement Administration, responds to the illegal production, distribution, and use of methamphetamines in the United States. Governs the retail sale of all cough and cold medications that contain the methamphetamine precursor chemicals ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine.
Date: 08 / 2006
Drug Abuse in America: Rural Meth
Author(s): Pilar Kraman
Sponsoring organization: Council of State Governments
Provides an overview of methamphetamine abuse and production in the United States. Focuses on problems specific to rural areas.
Date: 03 / 2004
Geographic Differences in Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions for Methamphetamine/Amphetamine and Marijuana: 2005
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which discusses admissions to substance abuse treatment and geographic differences by state and region.
Date: 01 / 2008
In Our Own Backyard: Methamphetamine Manufacturing, Trafficking and Abuse in Rural America
Author(s): Joseph F. Donnermeyer, Ken Tunnell
Sponsoring organization: Rural Sociological Society
This issue is devoted to methamphetamine abuse and discusses the personal, environmental, and community fallout from meth use and production in rural America.
Journal citation: Rural Realities Volume 2 Issue 2
Date: 08 / 2007
Long-term Effects of Universal Preventive Interventions on Methamphetamine Use Among Adolescents
Author(s): Richard L. Spoth, Scott Clair, Chungyeol Shin, Cleve Redmond
Sponsoring organization: American Medical Association
Results of a study which examined the long-term effects of universal preventive interventions on methamphetamine use by adolescents in the general population during their late high school years and found that prevention programs for young rural teens can reduce methamphetamine abuse years later.
Journal citation: Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Volume 160 Issue 9 Pages: 876-882
Date: 09 / 2006
Meth a Growing Menace in Rural America: Production and Use of Highly Addictive Drug has Exploded
Sponsoring organization: National Public Radio
Brief article and audio file discuss the increasing problem of meth use in rural America.
Date: 08 / 2004
Meth Abuse a Smoldering Crisis
Author(s): Hope Hanson
Sponsoring organization: Rural Assistance Center
Discusses why methamphetamine is now the number one drug problem in rural America. Emphasizes the danger of first responders when responding to meth calls. Discusses health effects of meth as well as other effects on communities.
Journal citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 08 / 2005
Meth and Child Welfare: Promising Solutions for Children, Their Parents and Grandparents
Sponsoring organization: Generations United
Examines the impact of meth on children, families, communities and the child welfare system. Identifies strategies to prevent meth use, keep children safe, and help parents with addictions complete treatment.
Date: 2006
Meth Epidemic in America: The Criminal Effect of Meth on Communities - A 2006 Survey of U. S. Counties
Author(s): Bill Hansell
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Counties
Results of a survey of 500 sheriff's departments on the impact of meth on county law enforcement activities.
Date: 07 / 2006
Meth Epidemic: The Changing Demographics of Methamphetamine
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Counties
Sixth in a series of NACo studies on the impact of meth abuse on the nation's counties including the meth epidemic; the changes over time in the characteristics of abusers; the presence of homemade meth labs; and the differences in how the drug is being made available to abusers. Includes statistics specific to rural areas.
Date: 08 / 2007
Meth Project: National Use & Attitudes Survey 2007
Sponsoring organization: GFK Custom Research North America
Results of a national survey which measures attitudes and behaviors towards methamphetamine in America.
Date: 09 / 2007
Methamphetamine/Amphetamine Treatment Admissions in Urban and Rural Areas: 2004
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Provides statistics, data, and other characteristics of methamphetamines/amphetamines hospital admissions in both urban and rural areas.
Date: 2006
Monitoring the Future: National Results on Adolescent Drug Use Overview of Key Findings 2008
Sponsoring organization: National Institutes of Health
Results of the national survey which interviews 50,000 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students in over 400 secondary schools nationwide. Highlights recent trends in the use of licit and illicit drugs, as well as trends in the levels of perceived risk and personal disapproval associated with each drug.
Date: 04 / 2009
National Drug Threat Assessment 2009
Sponsoring organization: National Drug Intelligence Center
Addresses the status and outlook of the drug threat to the United States. Covers the trafficking and abuse patterns associated with substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, MDMA, pharmaceutical drugs.
Date: 12 / 2008
National Methamphetamine Threat Assessment 2009
Sponsoring organization: National Drug Intelligence Center
Report national-level strategic assessment of methamphetamine trafficking in the United States. Addresses trends in methamphetamine production, transportation, distribution, and abuse. Discusses issues, including methamphetamine production in Mexico, the increasing availability of Mexican ice methamphetamine in domestic drug markets, and apparent methamphetamine shortages in some western markets.
Date: 12 / 2008
NSDUH Report: Methamphetamine Use
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Examines trends and patterns in rates of methamphetamine use by gender based on data from the years 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005.
Date: 01 / 2007
NSDUH Report: State Estimates of Past Year Methamphetamine Use
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Presents estimates of past year methamphetamine
use among persons ages 12 or older in
each of the 50 States and the District of
Columbia.
Date: 12 / 2006
Reports on Rural America: Substance Abuse in Rural and Small Town America
Author(s): Karen Van Gundy
Sponsoring organization: Carsey Institute
Discusses patterns of substance abuse, especially methamphetamine; recommendations for programs and policies; and provides rural and urban data.
Date: 2006
Results from the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Presents the 2008 survey results, which is the primary source of information on the use of illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco in the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of youth and adults.
Date: 09 / 2009
Rural Methamphetamine Use and HIV/STD Risk (Fact sheet #18)
Author(s): Susan Dreisbach
Sponsoring organization: Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention
Discusses issues related to methamphetamine use in rural communities, including how it increases the risk of HIV/AIDs.
Date: 2006
Rural Methamphetamine Users May Be at Higher Risk for Health Complications
Highlights a recent study of adult, rural methamphetamine users living in the Midwest who may be at higher risk than urban users for medical complications related to their methamphetamine use.
Date: 08 / 2007
Substance Abuse in Rural America
Sponsoring organization: National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
Chapter from the 2007 Report to the Secretary: Rural Health and Human Service Issues. Addresses rural access to substance abuse services, with a focus on alcohol, methamphetamine and narcotics addiction.
Date: 01 / 2007
Organizations
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Federal government
Works to protect human health and the environment. Provides programs and educational resources designed to help reduce exposure to chemicals and drugs.
National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)
National organization
Enables people to create safer and more caring communities by addressing the causes of crime and violence (such as drug abuse) and reducing the opportunities for crime to occur.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Federal government
Provides education resources and materials on drugs of abuse, information & facts, curriculum guides, classroom tools, grants & funding, research, clinical trials, and meetings.
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
Nonprofit/Foundation
Consists of a coalition of communication, health, medical and educational professionals working to reduce illicit drug use and help people live healthy, drug-free lives. Provides research-based, educational campaigns, state offices, events, personal stories, and articles.
Rural Crime and Justice Center (RCJC)
National organization
Established to explore the unique characteristics of rural crime and deviance. Includes research and evaluation of various aspects related to criminal justice.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Federal government
Works to improve the quality and availability of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitative services in order to reduce illness, death, disability, and cost to society resulting from substance abuse and mental illnesses. Part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP)
Academic/Research
Coordinates substance abuse research to develop, evaluate, and initiate treatment programs for substance abuse disorders.
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
Federal government
Establishes policies, priorities, and objectives for the Nation's drug control program. Works to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences.
Terms & Acronyms
Craving Powerful, often uncontrollable desire for drugs.
Crystal Meth A smokable form of methamphetamine, one of a group of drugs called amphetamines.
Detoxification Physical withdrawal from a substance.
Meth Mouth Gum disease, broken and cracked teeth, tooth decay, mouth sores, corrosion of teeth, and absence of saliva due to methamphetamine use.
Meth Orphan Children who are in foster care or being raised by grandparents due to one or both parents being either in jail or dead due to methamphetamine use or children being born to mothers addicted to the drug.
Methamphetamine An addictive stimulant that is closely related to amphetamine, but has longer lasting and more toxic effects on the central nervous system. It has a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Mom and Pop Meth Labs More common meth labs that manufacture a much smaller amount of methamphetamine for own use and result in a higher number of explosions, injuries, hazardous waste dumping, and child endangerment.
Substance Abuse Misuse of medications, alcohol or other illegal substances.
Super Meth Labs Highly organized labs that account for 80% of meth produced.
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