Oregon Territory

February 10, 2006 — Meth in Oregon

part one part two

download links: part one | part two

Meth-related problems are hitting Oregon hard. Police say 85-percent of Oregon’s property and identity theft problems are directly connected to meth abuse. Half the children removed from Oregon homes and placed in foster care come from meth affected families. And the cost of cleaning up the chemicals used to manufacture meth is rising throughout the state—from remote wilderness areas to urban neighborhoods.

It’s no wonder Oregon is often referred to as the epicenter of the methamphetamine epidemic. This week, we’re exploring what makes Oregon so attractive to meth users. From the biker gangs of the 70’s to the tweakers at raves, we’re exploring the history of meth use in Oregon. We’ll also talk to a recovering meth addict about some of the treatment options available.

Host: Christy George

Guests: Alan Evans, founder and director of Thugz off Drugs rehab centers; Dr. Richard Rawson, associate director of integrated substance abuse programs at UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute

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