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Fighting Methamphetamine Abuse
Methamphetamine abuse is a dangerous and growing problem in our nation – and Georgia has felt the full consequences of this epidemic. In fact, some of the largest methamphetamine busts in America have taken place in the metro-Atlanta area, indicating that this drug is no longer just the scourge of rural communities.
Methamphetamine abuse is threatening the health and safety of all our citizens. “Meth” is a highly toxic, highly addictive drug that can be manufactured using readily-available household ingredients. As a physician, I know the harm this drug causes the human body – it rots teeth, dangerously raises a user’s body temperature, and often causes paranoia and hallucinations that can lead to homicidal or suicidal thoughts.
As a parent and grandparent, I am also extremely concerned about the devastating effect methamphetamine abuse has on our children and community. Meth fumes don’t just harm users. They harm everyone exposed to them – including the children of users and those unknowingly living near methamphetamine “labs.” Additionally, manufacturing a pound of methamphetamine generates up to five pounds of toxic waste. These chemicals seep into our soil and groundwater, threatening our health and environment. Meth production also requires volatile chemicals, which is why so many meth labs end in tragic explosions that injure and kill users and innocent bystanders.
Clearly, we need to address methamphetamine abuse swiftly and forcefully.
In Congress, I was proud to support the Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act in March of 2006. This legislation established tougher federal penalties for methamphetamine traffickers and smugglers as well as for those who produce or deal meth in the presence of children. It also enhanced the regulation of meth by-products, and regulated the sale of the legal ingredients of meth. I will continue supporting legislation that gives our communities the tools they need to fight this epidemic.
To learn more about methamphetamine abuse and what our community can do to fight it, please visit the Partnership for a Drug-Free America website www.DrugFree.org/Meth. Here, you can read stories of meth users and victims, and learn important facts about this dangerous drug.
The fight against methamphetamine abuse will not be easily won, but it is critically important to our families and community.
"Methamphetamine is probably the most dangerous drug to reach North Georgia. Its effects are widespread and devastating, taxing the user, their family, community and state resources. Meth has no mercy, and is no respecter of persons. Being pro-active in the fight is the best offense. Georgia's children deserve the best, and this includes education, public awareness and prevention. Our citizen groups which come together as a team to fight this plague, are probably the most effective 'grassroots' stand we can take against meth. It provides communities and families the opportunity to join forces against meth."
- Betty Brady, Summerville, Georgia
Mrs. Brady has written a book detailing her daughter’s recovery from methamphetamine addiction.
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