Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - November 28, 2007
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs Director Renee Zito was joined by representatives from the U.S. Attorney General's Office, the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, and private partners, to raise awareness of methamphetamine abuse in California during California Methamphetamine Awareness Day.
"It saddens me to hear how methamphetamine abuse can enslave users to a lifetime of pain, as well as rob them of their talents and abilities," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a recently released proclamation. "I want all Californians who are suffering from this terrible addiction and their families to know that help is available. Through the combined efforts of individuals, government agencies and nonprofit organizations, I know we can continue to make a significant impact in decreasing the number of abusers."
Last year, the Governor and Legislature worked together to provide funding for enforcement efforts as well as a $10 million statewide campaign designed to stem the tide of methamphetamine use by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM); women of child bearing years (18 to 25); as well as, children and minors (12 to 18).
The state has also provided funding for youth prevention programs and this year released a guide for treatment providers to improve their understanding of treatment for methamphetamine addiction.
"We all need to work together to curb methamphetamine abuse in California," said Zito. "Preliminary survey results indicate that an overwhelming majority of Californians are aware of methamphetamine use and see it as a serious issue in their communities, but very few people are actually discussing it. We have made progress but we must continue to collaborate with our partners in law enforcement to help educate the public."
Methamphetamine Facts:
-- More than 2 million Californians have used methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime.
-- Methamphetamine is the primary drug of abuse for 36% of individuals seeking publicly funded treatment.
-- The State spent nearly $285 million to treat methamphetamine addicted individuals in the publicly supported treatment system in 2005.
-- Women of child bearing years are over represented in treatment, with over 43 percent of all admissions.
-- Approximately 80 percent of women admitted to treatment for using methamphetamine have minor children.
-- Methamphetamine is a factor in approximately 80 percent of child neglect and endangerment cases.
-- Methamphetamine use among gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted diseases. Surveys show that adult men who have sex with men are more than 10 times as likely to report recent use of methamphetamine than are heterosexual men or women.
The Governor's proclamation can be found at: http://www.gov.ca.gov/proclamation/8150/
Source: California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs
CONTACT: Lisa Fisher of State of California - Health and Human Services Agency, +1-916-323-1706
Web site: http://www.gov.ca.gov/proclamation/8150
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