NCJ Number
235305
Date Published
1998
Length
106 pages
Annotation
This report is based upon presentations and discussions at the National Methamphetamine Drug Conference held on May 28-30, 1997, in Omaha, Nebraska, whose purpose was to expand information on methamphetamine and its use, so as to refine the national methamphetamine strategy.
Abstract
Just over 375 attendees from 35 U.S. States and Territories participated in the conference. Attendees were composed of experts from the fields of drug law enforcement, prevention, and treatment at Federal, State, and local levels. Representatives from business and public interest groups from across the country also participated in the conference. At the morning session, plenary presentations summarized the methamphetamine problem, including a historical overview of stimulant abuse in the United States. Other topics addressed in the morning session were the physiological effects of methamphetamine abuse, current meth usage data taken from drug arrestees, and methamphetamine trafficking patterns and production methods. In the afternoon session, conference participants divided into six working groups to discuss key areas and develop recommendations for future efforts. The working groups addressed drug prevention, education, and treatment; clandestine meth labs; drug courts; and the control of chemicals used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. The following morning, each working group summarized its discussions and presented recommendations for a national methamphetamine strategy. The second day included a panel discussion of medical experts who ranged from academic researchers to hospital physicians. A presentation of a National Drug Control Strategy demonstrated the importance of the conference for the national plan. Appended conference agenda and an overview of working-group briefings and discussions