NCJ Number
187374
Editor(s)
Lucy Blanton
Date Published
2000
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This guide contains information to help States and communities develop communication programs to combat the rise of methamphetamine use.
Abstract
The guide is designed to be used by prevention program planners, communication specialists, organizations wanting to expand services, individuals who want to raise community awareness, and community coalitions. Sections of the guide are designed to: (1) impart what the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention has learned about the methamphetamine problem in general, with emphasis on individual and community risks, the advent of clandestine laboratories, and anecdotal evidence; (2) describe the results of qualitative research on three specific populations of methamphetamine users (truck drivers, Mexican-American and Mexican workers, and men who have sex with men) in terms of elements key to communication planning; (3) suggest communication strategies for each population; (4) make recommendations on how to design a targeted methamphetamine communication program; and (5) provide resources. The research on the three populations of methamphetamine users indicates staying alert and needing increased energy over long periods of time were the main reasons for using methamphetamine. All three populations were aware of the risks associated with methamphetamine use, and they noted serious health consequences of methamphetamine use. Using other drugs in combination with or to counter the effects of methamphetamine was reported by all users in the three populations. Specific steps in the design of a methamphetamine use prevention communication program are outlined, and forms used to obtain information about methamphetamine use by truck drivers are appended. 4 photographs and 1 figure