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Meth in Minnesota: The costly addiction
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.

The Problem
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Document Document Meth in Minnesota
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.
Document Meth labs are hazardous to health

Document ER visits show upward trend in meth use

Links and Resources

Document www.drug-rehabs.org, FAQ on meth
Document The Office of National Drug Control Policy, fact sheet on meth
Document National Institute on Drug Abuse, research on meth addiction
Document erowid.com, an online library of drug information
Document KCI, an anti-drug site
Document Hazelden, a new report on meth use in the Twin Cities
Document Brookhaven National Laboratory, research on meth's effects on the brain

Document Header photo ©2004 Publisher's Group, LLC, www.streetdrugs.org

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

Document Meth devastated Rubetta's family
Listen to audio Audio 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.

Document Children are the unintended victims of meth

Law Enforcement
Listen to audio Audio 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.

Document Meth is not just a rural problem


Listen to audio Audio 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.

Document Meth brings new challenges to law enforcement

Document First responders also at risk

Document Counties want help battling meth

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

Document A familiar debate: Treatment or punishment?



Treatment and Education
Listen to audio Audio 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.

Document Meth makes its way into schools

Document Meth addicts spread message to kids
Dan Gunderson

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

Document Treating meth addiction requires a different approach



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

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