Washington, D.C. - Today, the National Association of Counties released two surveys that highlight the seriousness of the methamphetamine epidemic.  The Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine (the Meth Caucus) welcomes the new surveys and would like to thank the National Association of Counties for their work compiling this information.

One survey, “The Effect of Meth Abuse on Hospital Emergency Rooms,” revealed that there are more emergency visits for meth-related incidents than for any other drug and that the number of these visits has increased substantially over the last five years.  The second survey, “The Challenge of Treating Meth Abuse,” showed that the need for treatment programs for meth addiction is growing dramatically and the lack of funding is an obstacle in meeting this demand.

The Meth Caucus co-chairs issued the following statement:

“The community costs of meth abuse extend much further than just the individual meth user and we welcome the effort of the National Association of Counties to bring attention to this issue.  These surveys underscore the growing meth epidemic which is why Congress and the Administration must build on our previous work combating meth abuse.  We look forward to the President’s budget request and will work to increase funding for anti-meth programs this year.”

The Meth Caucus is co-chaired by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT), and Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA).  The purpose of the Meth Caucus is to direct members' attention to growing nationwide problems and dangers associated with abuse and production of methamphetamine.  Find out more at www.house.gov/larsen/meth.

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