Methamphetamine overview in Oregon
In the year of 2003, there were a reported 205 drug rehabs and addiction treatments in the state fof Oregon. These addiction centers combined to serve 19,451 clients for alcohol and/or drug addiciton problems.
Meth is one of the most widely abused controlled drugs in the state of Oregon. Two "varieties" are mainly encountered: Mexican meth, which is either manufactured locally or obtained from sources in Mexico, California or other Southwest Border states, and meth which is produced locally by area violators. Of the two types, Mexican meth continues to flood the market. Methamphetamine is available in multi-pound amounts throughout western part of Oregon, and smaller quantities are available in Eastern side of Oregon. Canadian pseudoephedrine, used in the manufacture of meth, is frequently seized at clandestine lab sites. Crystal “ice” meth is increasing in availability and is the exclusive type of meth available in central part of Oregon. In the greater Portland area a rise in syphilis cases accompanied the popularity rise of crystal meth and health officials fear it may fuel a surge in HIV infections.
Meth treatment admissions per 100,000 citizens (2003): 212
Methamphetamine is currently one of the most widely abused drugs in Oregon, where there are more individuals seeking treatment for a meth addiction per capita than in any other state in the country. During 2004, 8,561 residents sought treatment for meth addiction, or approximately 19.0% of all individuals seeking drug abuse treatment -- more than the number of individuals seeking treatment for cocaine and cannabis abuse combined. Even though this amount has decreased from a high of 9,463 individuals in 2002, it has risen from 2000 when 7,665 did. Even though Mexican traffickers provide the majority of the meth in circulation in Oregon, the state is also home to a large number of local clandestine labs. During 2004, DEA, state and local authorities seized 472 meth labs. Likewise, "crystal" meth, the purer, more addictive form of the drug, is becoming increasingly available throughout the state and is the exclusive variety now available in Central Oregon. This type of meth is frequently taken intravenously and is believed to be the cause of a recent rise in syphilis cases, and state health officials fear it might cause a boom in cases of HIV.
Update:
The Combat Meth Act, signed by President Bush on March 9, 2006, gives minimum standards for retailers across the nation that sell substances containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The law limits sales to 3.6 grams of the base ingredient (the pure ephedrine or pseudoephedrine) daily and 9 grams per month, and requires that buyers provide identification and sign a sales log. Also, sellers must keep these substances behind the counter or in a locked case and register on-line with the U.S. Attorney General. Additionally to the federal minimums, Oregon state law requires that buyers of these products get a prescription from a physician.
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