Statement of Elliott Currie, Institute for the Study of Social Change, University of California, Berkeley, Concerning the Re-emergence of Methamphetamine From Hearing Before House Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control, October 24, 1989

• NCJ Number: 154341
• Author(s): E Currie
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services; University of California, Berkeley
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

Research in a community in northern California formed the basis of this discussion of methamphetamine use among juvenile delinquents.

Abstract

Although the research did not initially focus specifically on methamphetamine, it revealed that this drug is a widespread drug of choice among these youths, as well as their parents. The findings suggested that methamphetamine has been the hidden drug crisis of the 1980's, overshadowed by crack cocaine. The analysis also suggested that methamphetamine use is rooted in complex social and economic conditions among white, working-class people whose personal or family problems are poorly addressed by the society around them. The drug is easily available and severely addictive, with consequences as severe as those of crack and other drugs. However, current Federal drug policy is not seriously addressing the problem. Efforts are needed to provide support and assistance to low-income communities and to meet the needs of youths whose academic problems make them especially vulnerable to drug abuse.