U.S. drug czar targets Native American meth labs in ad campaign

Albuquerque - White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske today unveiled a new anti-methamphetamine (meth) ad campaign tailored for Native Americans in New Mexico.

National data shows that meth use is higher among Native Americans than any other ethnic group. American Indians or Alaska Natives are almost twice as likely to have used meth in the past year than whites (1.1 vs. 0.6 percent) or Hispanics (1.1 vs. 0.6 percent), and approximately five times more likely to have used meth than African Americans (1.1 vs. 0.2 percent). The Native American Anti-Meth Campaign, in its third year coordinated by ONDCP's National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, is the only one designed for both adults and youths in Native American communities. The campaign will include TV commercials, print and radio ads, and billboard advertising in 15 states. Using Native American culture and pride, the ads encourage adults to protect their children and youth not to use meth. Meth is often called speed or ice. It can be taken by mouth, injected, snorted or smoked. The extremely addictive drug can make users prone to violence and neglectful behavior that can affect their children and neighbors. 'Meth labs' use chemicals that are dangerous to both the environment and those around them. The chemicals are both toxic and flammable. "The data about methamphetamine abuse in the Native American community are troubling," said Kerlikowske. "This ad campaign will supplement the important work for prevention and treatment already being done by the Native American community, local prevention groups, law enforcement, and treatment providers." "We are so pleased to be working together with ONDCP's National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign and leaders from Native American organizations on this important initiative to reach out to Native teens around the country," said Joe Garcia, Vice Chairman of the National Congress of American Indians. "This is an opportunity to initiate community-wide conversations about issues of crucial importance to our families, including substance abuse."