Easier to manufacture and cheaper to use than cocaine, methamphetamine abuse has reached epidemic proportions and the devastating effects are taking a toll across America. According to a 2004 National Survey, methamphetamine is the most commonly manufactured synthetic drug in the U.S. and the country's fastest-growing drug threat. In 2004 it contributed more to violent crime and property crime than any other drug.

Not only is meth powerfully addictive and a source of violent behavior, but its use over time can lead to extreme psychotic behavior, brain damage, heart attacks, strokes and possibly death. Psychotic symptoms can persist for months or years after meth use has stopped.

The meth labs have become a significant hazard to many communities. One pound of meth is estimated to produce five or six pounds of toxic waste. Many of the chemicals used in its production are highly volatile and extremely toxic, and can cause death or injury to the lab operators and their children, law enforcement officials who seize the labs, and first responders to lab explosions.(2)

If you know of someone who might be using meth, call one of the 800 numbers above. Get help for them, their families, and the community, before it's too late.

• Inhaling paraphernalia, such as razor blades, mirrors, and straws
• Injecting paraphernalia, such as syringes, heated spoons, or surgical tubing

(1) "Methamphetamine Abuse in the Primary Care Patient", Clinician Reviews, March 2006
(2) Office of National Drug Control Policy from the Office of the President of the U.S.
(3) National Institute on Drug Abuse from the National Institute of Health
(4) A Quick Guide to Finding Effective Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment from the The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) provides a toll-free, 24-hour treatment referral service to help you locate treatment options near you. For a referral to a treatment center or support group in your area, call: 1-800-487-4889 (TDD) • 1-877-767-8432 (Spanish
(5) Workplace Substance Abuse from the US Department of Labor
(6) MethResources.gov
The federal government’s comprehensive directory of information and programs related to methamphetamine which includes a directory of programs, fact sheets, and events, organized on a state-by-state basis. Visit Methresources.gov's Meth in Your State page.
(7) Just Think Twice
A youth oriented site created by the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Demand Reduction Program.
(8) Office of National Drug Control Policy – Methamphetamine Fact Sheet
Detailed description of methamphetamine and other resources.
(9) The Drug Enforcement Administration – Meth Information
(10) The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children
Comprised of individuals and organizations concerned about children endangered by caregivers who manufacture drugs, or deal drugs or use them and by doing so physically or psychologically endanger children.
(11) National Association of Counties - Meth Action Clearinghouse
NACo is committed to raising public awareness about and helping counties respond to the nation’s methamphetamine drug problem.
(12) KCI: The Anti-Meth Site
Extensive resources and links about meth.
(13) Partnership Local Programs
Local information about methamphetamine is available from the Partnership's local chapters, affiliates and alliances. They can provide you with information about methamphetamine in your state or community, and ways you can get involved in your community's efforts against methamphetamine and other drugs. Visit the Partnership's local office finder for the program in your state.
(14) Partners for Substance Abuse Prevention
The federal government has also created a directory of community based programs that work to prevent substance abuse. To find contact information for programs in your state, click on your state at the Partner Directory map.

Support Groups in Pinellas County, Florida

Nar-anon Friends & Family of Drug Abusers (Janet 321-8507)

• 8pm Sundays,
  Suncoast Hospital, (call ahead 1st Julie 393-0537)
  2025 Indian Rocks Road, Largo
• 7pm Wednesdays,
  St. Paul's United Methodist Church
  Largo (corner of Highland & Rosary)
• 8pm Wednesdays,
  St. Mark's United Methodist Church,
  6801 38th Ave. N. St Petersburg
• 7:30 Mondays & 8pm Saturdays The Shelter on Gulfport Beach, Shelter closest to the recreation center
• 8pm Fridays St. Alban's Episcopal Church, St. Petersburg Beach at the corner of blind pass road & Boca Ciega Drive, 8451 Blind Pass Road, St. Petersburg Beach