Meth abuse has severely impacted San Juan County, New Mexico. Between 2008-2009, 36 meth labs were seized by police with 7 involving minors, and 10 meth dump sites were discovered. Meth labs and dump sites endanger community health through airborne chemicals and contamination of local environment. The amount of meth seized annually in New Mexico nearly doubled between 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, indicating the problem continues to grow despite efforts. Community members suffer not only physical effects but also mental and emotional impacts, and children are increasingly born addicted or abused due to family meth use. Addressing the meth problem will require community involvement through volunteer work and affordable recreational activities to curb boredom, which could cost less than incarceration and treatment programs

1. Meth: The Destroyer

2. San Juan County, NM is beautiful, but some of what
lies within is disturbing.

3. 62% of counties with the population
less than 25,000 reported an
increase in meth abuse.

4. New Mexico had 36 meth labs seized with 7 of
those involving minors in 2008-2009.
In addition, there were 10 meth dump sites
discovered between 2008-2009.

5. Meth labs pose a danger to those near and around it including:
shortness of breath, chemical burns to the eyes, nose, mouth, and
skin, and even death.
Waste dump sites pose a threat to animals, plants, trees, and
potential water systems.

6. In 2007-2008, 22,153.47 grams of meth were seized throughout
New Mexico. IN 2008-2009, 89,259.64 grams were seized. A clear
indication that despite the efforts of decreasing the problem, the
problem still weights heavy.

7. Members of the community suffer not only physical effects of
meth, but also the mental and emotional.

8. Even the innocent suffer. Children are being born addicted to meth and
suffering developmental problems. Young children are sexually,
physically, mentally, and emotionally abused by members of their family
abusing meth.

9. What can be done?

10. Community Involvement
Get the community involved. A constant
reminder is needed to keep the community
actively working together to make change
happen.

11. Availability of more affordable activities for the public
may curb the boredom associated with small towns.

12. Can it be done?
YES! It can be done. San Juan County is
given grants to help fund drug awareness for
the community. Volunteer work can also
make it happen! The cost of creating more
activities will still cost less than it would cost
the county in incarcerating, treating, and
cleaning up after meth
abusers/creators/distributors.

13. AS A
We can make it happen!

14. If interested in making a difference:
http://www.sjcso.com/
http://www.sjcounty.net/
http://www.fmtn.org/
Contact local
county offices
for more
information
about their
volunteer
programs.

15. All photos were obtained from
google.com