Schumer Announces Push to Help Prevent and Identify Meth Addictions Through "Meth Mouth" Education; Gruesome and Distinctive Side Effect Caused by Crystal Meth Usage

Press Release

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES PUSH TO HELP PREVENT AND IDENTIFY METH ADDICTIONS THROUGH "METH MOUTH" EDUCATION; GRUESOME AND DISTINCTIVE SIDE EFFECT CAUSED BY CRYSTAL METH USAGE

Legislation Will Fund Studies To Identify Most Effective Way to Prevent Addictions Before They Start; Will Help Communities Identify And Help Current Users Get Treatment

"Meth Mouth" Is One Of The Telltale Signs Of Meth Use; Legislation Will Help Dentists Identify It

In Recent Meeting, Schumer Discussed Meth Problem with Drug Czar Nominee Kerlikowske; Urged Him To Focus

Following last week's meeting with Drug Czar Nominee Gil Kerlikowske, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced his support for an innovative plan to both prevent New Yorkers from becoming addicted to crystal meth, and to identity addiction before it becomes deadly. The legislation, known as the Meth Mouth Prevention and Community Recovery Act, will establish programs for dentists to educate them about one of crystal meth addiction's tell-tale signs - "Meth Mouth." Meth mouth is a distinct and often severe pattern of tooth decay through which a dentist, with proper training, can identify a crystal meth user. Once the addiction has been identified, the legislation establishes public health grants for dentists to recognize the signs and facilitate appropriate help for patients and their family who are affected by a substance use disorder.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), will also create a study of the effectiveness of educating teens about meth mouth and in deterring the use of crystal meth. Because most meth users start between ages 18 and 25, education during the early teen years is seen as critical in preventing addiction. This legislation will help researchers determine if this is an effective way to prevent meth usage, and if it is, will allow schools, anti-drug coalitions and other organizations to implement the program immediately.

"While we have made great strides against meth production in recent years it is critical that we continue to educate the children in our communities to reduce demands and prevent addiction before it even starts," said Schumer. "This innovative plan will allow us to emphasize prevention, but also to help medical professionals identify addicts and direct them to help, before it is too late."

Schumer brought up the drug problems in the Southern Tier in a recent personal meeting with President Obama's Nominee to be the new Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy ("ONDCP"), or "Drug Czar," Gil Kerlikowske and urged him to focus on the region once he is confirmed.

While crystal meth has seen a decline in New York State, in areas where methamphetamine use is highly concentrated dentists are encountering patients with a distinct, painful and often debilitating pattern of oral decay. The condition is known as "meth mouth" and is usually identified by rotting, and crumbling stained teeth. Experts believe meth mouth is caused by the drug's acidic natures, its ability to dry the mouth, the tendency of users to grind and clench their teeth, and a drug-induced craving for sugary drinks. Often, the damage is so severe that extraction is the only viable treatment option.

Due to the crystal meth's highly addictive nature, Schumer today noted the importance of raising awareness of the drug's dangers among the youth population. "We know, from recent experience, that youth smoking declines when they are presented with compelling, graphic evidence of the devastating impacts of tobacco addiction. By highlighting "meth-mouth" we can use this proven-approach to prevent more and more of our youth from trying this dangerous drug in the first place," said Senator Schumer.

Methamphetamine is widely abused throughout the United States and is distributed under many street names, including "crystal meth," "crank," "meth," "crystal," "tina," "crissy" and "speed." It is commonly sold in white powder form that dissolves in water but has been distributed in colorful tablets or as crystals and sold as "glass" or "ice." Methamphetamine can be smoked, snorted, injected or taken orally or anally. Meth is psychologically addictive, and users become paranoid and unpredictable. Meth causes extreme fatigue in the long term, loss of appetite, psychotic behavior and brain damage similar to Alzheimer's disease.

The Meth Mouth Prevention and Community Recovery Act (S. 450) has bipartisan support and was endorsed by the American Dental Association.

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