MPR: Meth in Minnesota: The costly addiction

Minnesota Public Radio, June 2004
Meth is taking its toll in Minnesota. Methamphetamine, a highly-addictive drug that's been around for decades, has become the drug of choice for many in recent years because it's cheap, easy to make, and a "good high." But it is a costly drug in terms of the devastation it causes for users and their families, and the challenges it brings for law enforcement and health officials.

Meth in Minnesota
By Melanie Sommer
Meth use has been rising for years in many states around the country, and Minnesota is no different. The costs of meth addiction reach across all segments of our communities. (06/14/04)

Meth labs are hazardous to health
By Melanie Sommer
(06/14/04)

ER visits show upward trend in meth use
By Melanie Sommer
(06/14/04)

www.drug-rehabs.org, FAQ on meth

The Office of National Drug Control Policy, fact sheet on meth

National Institute on Drug Abuse, research on meth addiction

erowid.com, an online library of drug information

KCI, an anti-drug site

Hazelden, a new report on meth use in the Twin Cities

Brookhaven National Laboratory, research on meth's effects on the brain

Rubetta, a recovering meth addict
Rubetta is on her fourth attempt to kick the meth habit. She talks about her addiction.

Meth devastated Rubetta's family
By Tom Robertson
(06/14/04)

Meth kids in foster care
Children of meth addicts are often taken to foster homes. Foster mom Terri Rehani has cared for dozens of such children.

Children are the unintended victims of meth
By Cara Hetland
(06/14/04)

Meth has "infected" small towns
Forrest Miller, police chief for Mapleview-Lyle in far southern Minnesota, says meth dealers have set up shop in his town.

Meth is not just a rural problem
By Jeff Horwich
(06/14/04)

Cops face bigger risks from meth
Sgt. Todd Hoffman of the Wright County Sheriff's Department has faced two life-threatening situations while investigating meth labs. He describes one of them.

Meth brings new challenges to law enforcement
By Tim Post
(06/14/04)

First responders also at risk
By Tim Post
(06/14/04)

Counties want help battling meth
By Dan Gunderson
(02/03/04)

Recovered addict faces jail time
Amber Bluhm appealed her jail sentence for meth possession, because she's kicked her addiction.

A familiar debate: Treatment or punishment?
By Mark Steil
(06/14/04)

The drug of choice in schools
"Melissa" is a high school student, and a recovering meth addict. She says meth is readily available in schools, and not well-detected.

Meth makes its way into schools
By Dan Gunderson
(06/14/04)

Meth addicts spread message to kids
By Dan Gunderson
(06/14/04)

A tough addiction to overcome
Jim Atkins, a recovering meth addict and drug counselor, says meth addiction is more difficult to treat than others.

Treating meth addiction requires a different approach
By Bob Reha
(06/14/04)

Do you have experience with meth? How did meth use affect you, your friends, or your family?
Share your story.
Read others' stories.

What do you think should be done about this growing drug problem?
Share your ideas.
Read what others suggest.


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	Text: Sm : Md : Lg