NCJ Number
211732
Date Published
July 2005
Length
65 pages
Annotation
This report on the eighth annual meeting (September 2004) of the Border Epidemiology Work Group (BEWG), a collaboration of American and Mexican researchers, pertains to the meeting's focus on patterns and trends in methamphetamine abuse in United States-Mexico border areas.
Abstract
The premises of the 2-day meeting were that methamphetamine abuse in some border areas is a serious problem; it is apparently spreading from west coast border areas eastward; and methamphetamine abuse problems on one side of the border will likely impact the other side of the border. The meeting involved the exchange of information among researchers regarding the characteristics of methamphetamine abuse on both sides of the border, so as to inform policymakers and practitioners about research findings on the nature and extent of current and emerging drug abuse problems in the border region. The data exchanged at the meeting show that methamphetamine abuse continues at high levels in western border areas near the Pacific Ocean and that it is increasing in central and western border areas. Methamphetamine abuse remains low in eastern areas along the Texas-Mexico border, but signs of an increase are evident. Indicator data from central border areas suggest relatively high and increasing levels of methamphetamine abuse and trafficking. BEWG participants emphasized that there are unique opportunities to conduct drug abuse research on the border, and they encouraged cross-border and cross-national collaboration in planning and implementing research studies. Such research should have the practical effect of improving the planning and delivery of culturally appropriate prevention and treatment services to residents on both sides of the border. Specific research needs were identified at the meeting. Participant information is provided.