Comprehensive Approach
No other drug demands more of a community than methamphetamine. Out of the 14 million reports of drug use such as marijuana, cocaine and heroine, only 575,000 of those reports are methamphetamine. While the numbers of those using meth are small, they are rapidly increasing and becoming an even greater problem. Methamphetamine is the number one law enforcement problem facing our country because of the crime, violence and toxic chemicals associated with its production and use.
The traditional approach to substance abuse in most communities consists of localized efforts from prevention, treatment, education and law enforcement. This approach often leads to the duplication of services and contributes to poor resource allocation. What is required are comprehensive strategies that collaborate and coordinate resources and strategies. This is particularly necessary for methamphetamine.
In developing community-based strategies to combat methamphetamine, Methpedia advocates inclusion of all sectors of a community affected by the problem. This requires bringing new partners to the table and identifying new forms of collaboration. Groups or sectors that are included in a comprehensive approach include the following:
- Law Enforcement
- Treatment Facilities
- Educators
- Chain Drug Stores
- Agra-Business
- First Responders
- Hazmat and Chemical Clean-up Specialists
- Large Retail Chains such as Wal-Mart and CVS
- Child Protective Services and Representatives from Foster Care System
- Media
- Faith Community
- Chamber of Commerce
- Health Care and Insurance Companies
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Court System
- Parents and Families
This list will vary from community to community. A comprehensive approach must err on the side of inclusion. Gather every willing person to discuss and plan so nobody is left out. Click on to the planning form to create your own check list of participants.
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