SCHUMER BACKS 'METH MOUTH' BILL

Legislation would educate young people about effects of using illegal
drug.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said on Thursday that legislation
has been introduced to fight the use of methamphetamine by raising
awareness of its dangers in local schools.

A companion bill on the same issue has been introduced in the
House.

The legislation aims to shed light on "meth mouth," a gruesome health
affliction caused by meth and characterized by stained, crumbling teeth.

In recent years, "meth mouth" has emerged in areas where the use of
the drug is prevalent, according to a news release from Schumer's office.

"This is just another example of the health horrors caused by this
lethal and addictive drug," Schumer stated in a news release.

"Too many Southern Tier residents become ensnared in the evil clutches
of crystal meth, and it's absolutely essential that we take a
pro-active approach, which means both educating our youth against the
risks of the drug and establishing tougher penalties for the sale and
possession of it."

Schumer said Thursday that he is supporting the bipartisan Meth Mouth
Prevention and Community Recovery Act (S. 1906).

The bill will fund local, school-based initiatives to educate primary
and elementary school students about the dangers of meth use,
according to the news release.

It also will provide for enhanced research and professional training
in substance use disorders, oral health and the provision of dental
care.

Supporters of the bill include the American Dental Association,
Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse,
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and the American Public
Health Association, according to the release.

In recent days, meth has been at the forefront of local
news.

More than a dozen Southern Tier residents have been arrested during
the past month on meth-related charges.

Meth is a highly addictive drug that can be smoked, snorted, injected
or taken orally or anally.

Prolonged use of the drug has psychological effects as well, causing
users to become paranoid and unpredictable, according to the news release.

Meth also causes extreme fatigue in the long term, loss of appetite,
psychotic behavior and brain damage similar to Alzheimer's disease.

"We know, from recent experience, that youth smoking declines when
they are presented with compelling, graphic evidence of the
devastating impacts of tobacco addiction," Schumer stated in the news
release.

"By highlighting 'meth mouth,' we can use this proven approach to
prevent more and more of our youth from trying this dangerous drug in
the first place."