As methamphetamine usage in the U.S. is reaching epidemic levels, new information shows ASU to be virtually meth-free.
Nationwide, more than 1.4 million people reported using meth in the last year, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
But the ASU Department of Public Safety says meth use on campus is not common. DPS recorded only four methamphetamine violations on campus in 2005. Two of the cases did not involve ASU students.
ASU spokeswoman Leah Hardesty said the low meth figures were a result of the joint Tempe-ASU Narcotics Task Force. The task force regularly gives presentations about dangers of drug usage to students living on campus, she added.
But meth is a much bigger concern off campus, according to Tempe police.
"It is a persistently growing epidemic," said Sgt. Dan Masters, Tempe police spokesman.
"As much as we try to do as far as education and enforcement, it's a huge problem."
Masters said officers routinely visit local elementary, junior high and high schools to deter young adults from using meth and other drugs, he added.
Tempe has also joined the fight against meth. The City Attorney's Office is currently working on an ordinance that, if passed, would move many of the products used to make meth behind drug store counters, said Nikki Ripley, spokeswoman for the city of Tempe.
The Arizona chapter of The Partnership for a Drug-Free America began a statewide anti-meth campaign this month that includes television and radio commercials and community presentations.
Masters said he is optimistic about the results of these efforts, but thinks more needs to be done.
Communities must play a role in reducing meth use, Masters said.
"It's going to be parents having frank conversations with their kids," he said. "It's going to take increased penalties for carrying meth."
The Office of National Drug Control Policy said in a November press release that meth use across the country is slowly declining. But, the office reported, 12 million people in the U.S. admitted to trying meth at least once.
"I think it's a problem for every city, every community, every socio-economic level, every race," Masters said.
Reach the reporter at shea.drefs@asu.edu.
