For Release: Nov. 30, 2006
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: tucker.martin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell Joins U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales for National Methamphetamine Awareness Day Panel
Event Held at The George Washington University, Sponsored by Department of Justice
Washington, D.C. – Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell and U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales discussed the dangers of methamphetamine use and their commitment to educating the public and raising awareness about the issue, today at a panel held in observation of National Methamphetamine Awareness Day. The event was held at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and sponsored by The U.S. Department of Justice and The George Washington University Medical Center.
Speaking about the event Attorney General McDonnell noted, “Virginia has made important progress in our effort to find and destroy meth labs operating in the state. Thanks to tough new laws we have seen a dramatic reduction in the presence of these labs. But that does not end the issue. Meth continues to come into the Commonwealth from outside our borders, and continues to destroy lives not only in our rural communities, but increasingly in our more urban and suburban regions.”
McDonnell continued, “Meth destroys bodies and can cause severe brain damage. But the damage is not limited to the user. With meth production we often find environmental damage. Meth use and production can also result in child abuse, child neglect, toxic exposure and a host of other negative side effects. Meth is an addictive and devastating drug and we must raise awareness of this threat to our citizens and our communities.”
U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales remarked, "While the damaging effects of methamphetamine abuse are often clearly displayed on the faces of its victims, it is the wake of destruction meth leaves on families, communities and the environment that makes this drug so devastating to society. National Methamphetamine Awareness Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of meth abuse and reduce demand for this very addictive and destructive drug."
Other panelists for today’s event included: Dr. Westley Clark from the U.S. Department of Health; Joseph Rannazzisi from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Vicki West Sickels, a research counselor, and former meth addict, from Iowa Health; and Nora Volkow from the National Institutes of Health.
Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive drug that dramatically affects users' minds and bodies. Chronic use can lead to violent behavior, paranoia and an inability to cope with the ordinary demands of life. According to the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, individuals in the 18-25 age group are the most likely to be using meth. Additionally, it is estimated that more than 10 million people have abused meth, with approximately 512,000 users in 2005.
Recent Virginia Methamphetamine Legislative History
2005 General Assembly
September 2005 – Governor Warner issued Executive Directive 8 (2005) directing the State Health Commissioner to restrict access to precursor ingredients used in manufacturing methamphetamine.
2006 General Assembly –
Governor Warner, through coordination with the General Assembly, introduced a Governor’s Substitute to pending Senate Bill 146 and House Bill 1040 to conform Virginia law to the newly enacted federal law related to meth.
Click here for more on the Federal Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005
