METHAMPHETAMINE AWARENESS DAY

A Day to Reflect on the Fight Against Meth

Today is National Methamphetamine Awareness Day -- the first time a
president has designated a day to focus national attention on
methamphetamine, an extremely destructive and harmful drug.

For parents, today is a reminder of the importance of talking to our
children about dangerous drugs. For our youth, it is an opportunity
to reaffirm a commitment to a drug-free future. For those struggling
with addiction, it is an occasion to seek treatment. And for all
Americans, it is an opportunity to thank law enforcement officers,
treatment counselors and prevention advocates whose efforts have
contributed to a nearly 20 percent decline in drug use among American
youth over the past four years.

Today is also an occasion to reflect on the progress our nation has
made in attacking methamphetamine. In 2005, the number of
methamphetamine laboratory incidents in America declined by 29
percent from the previous year and is continuing to decline this
year. And there is more good news: Methamphetamine use among youths
is down 36 percent (from 2001 to 2005), and positive tests for meth
in the workplace have declined 45 percent since 2004. In short, fewer
people are making meth in America, and fewer people are using it.

This good news is proof that a balanced drug control strategy can
yield meaningful results. But our fight against methamphetamine is
not over. Earlier this year, the administration released the nation's
first Synthetic Drug Control Strategy, a coordinated effort among
government institutions at the federal, state and local levels that
sets ambitious goals for America. The strategy calls for an
additional 25 percent reduction in domestic methamphetamine
laboratories (beyond the 29 percent reduction already seen last
year), and a 15 percent reduction in methamphetamine use, both by the
end of 2008. Again, the good news is that we are on track to meet
these goals, with past year methamphetamine use declining 29 percent
over the prior three years, and steady declines in the number of meth
labs across our nation.

Meanwhile, we know that simply reducing the supply of methamphetamine
is not enough. We also must reduce the demand for the drug. This
means offering treatment opportunities to help heal those who are
addicted. It means stopping use of methamphetamine before it starts
by supporting the most effective drug-prevention initiatives --
especially those aimed at youth. That is why the president has
requested that Congress provide historic levels of support for drug programs.

As our nation reflects on the progress we have made and the
challenges that remain in reducing methamphetamine use, all
Americans, especially our youth, should reaffirm their commitment to
a drug-free future. The devastating effects of using any illicit drug
- -- on the individual, family and community -- cannot be overstated.

John Walters is director of the White House Office of National Drug
Control Policy. For more information on methamphetamine, and how to
help stop its spread, visit www.methresources.gov or
www.usdoj.gov/methawareness/.