MADE IN CALIFORNIA -- METH

Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive and destructive narcotics
plaguing our community today. California produces up to 85 percent of
the nation's methamphetamine, and the San Francisco area is one of the
nation's leading methamphetamine distribution centers, according to
the Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Drug Intelligence Center.

Methamphetamine is a community problem and requires a community
response. Methamphetamine use is not confined to a single demographic,
but is now seen in a variety of age groups, regardless of economic
status. High school and college students, white-collar and blue-collar
workers are using the drug.

Children growing up in a "meth home" often suffer physical and
emotional harm. Methamphetamine can cause violent behavior, paranoia,
significant tooth decay and chronic psychotic symptoms in its users.
Communities are put at serious risk by meth production due to the risk
of fire or explosion associated with meth labs. Additionally, every
pound of meth manufactured can generate up to 5 pounds of toxic waste
that can endanger people and cause serious environmental damage by
contaminating water sources, livestock and crops.

Although meth use has been decreasing in recent years, it continues to
be a problem that destroys people's lives and harms communities. In
2005, Congress passed laws to make the components used to make
methamphetamine, such as ephedrine-based drugs, including
over-the-counter cold medicines, harder to obtain and easier for law
enforcement to track. Congress also stiffened the penalties for
trafficking in the drug.

While these laws are helpful tools, the efforts to fight the spread of
methamphetamine will require government focus on the problem as well
as greater community involvement.

The U.S. Department of Justice has made the prosecution of individuals
involved in trafficking methamphetamine a priority. In the last seven
months alone, two federal cases in the Bay Area have resulted in the
arrests of 31 individuals and seizures of more than 40 pounds of
methamphetamine.

To spur greater community involvement in decreasing demand for this
dangerous drug, President Bush proclaimed today, Nov. 30, National
Methamphetamine Awareness Day. The president encourages parents to
educate their children about the dangers of this drug and families and
friends to help methamphetamine addicts find assistance programs.
Help combat meth use

Get involved in raising awareness of the problem in your
community.