San Diego County Fights Crystal Meth Use

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published July 11, 2007 at 7:51 AM PDT

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

Crystal meth use is on the rise among older people in San Diego County. A county health officer and a treatment facility director assess the severity of meth addiction in San Diego County and outline

Alison St John (Guest Host): Meth, otherwise known as speed, crank, crystal or ice remains one of the most pervasive drugs in San Diego. Twelve thousand people go through San Diego County's drug treatment programs every year. Of those, 6,000 say their primary problem is methamphetamine use. The latest trend is disconcerting; the number of meth related deaths among people over 50 has doubled in the last five years.

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Meth Strike Force Hotline: 1-877-NO2-METH (1-877-662-6384)

San Diego County Access and Crisis Line for 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week treatment referrals: 1-800-479-3339.

Guests

Susan Bower, deputy director for Alcohol and Drug Services forthe San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.
James Bagwell, director of Rehabilitation Services at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center.