METH IN AMERICA:
Not in Our Town

Methamphetamine is one of the most destructive drugs in our society today. It ruins not just individual lives, but families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. Which is why our communities are beginning to fight back and why I launched the "Meth in America: Not in Our Town" tour. Together, we can beat this deadly menace — one town at a time.

Meth is not only a big city problem. Through the "Meth in America: Not in our Town" tour, I will take that message to thirty-two states — many of which are smaller states that constantly struggle with the enormous social and financial impact of meth. As a former Congressman from Arkansas, I have seen firsthand how devastating it can be to small towns in America, and I am dedicated to increasing public awareness of this destructive drug.

Winning back our communities takes a balanced approach. The DEA can help with making sure our laws are upheld, but effective treatment and education are equally as critical. To date, there is no medication to treat methamphetamine addiction. That means we must have adequate alternatives for those who are caught in meth's dangerous grasp. I am especially impressed by the effectiveness of drug courts. Many addicts do not realize that they need help. Drug courts make them accountable and keep them clean.

Methamphetamine abuse may be a problem across the nation, but its solution can be found in our own neighborhoods. "Meth in America: Not in Our Town" gives me the opportunity to hear what works and what doesn't from people in communities across the country. I know that together we can loosen meth's grip on America, town by town.

Asa Hutchinson
Director