The damage caused by methamphetamine use is no secret. But how it affects on a community is not as well known. So professors from Arkansas Tech University set about conducting research and gathering information that proves that methamphetamine touches more than the lives of its users.

"'High degrees of alienation and low efficacy in individuals increases the likelihood of using drugs,' [Sean Huss, Ph.D] said, noting communities with residents who have low social capital and high alienation are more susceptible to additional problems, which in turn leads to lower support for program spending and a weakened community."

In addition, the American public will pay $1.7 million for every adolescent who becomes a drug addict and an average of $277 in state taxes to deal with the burden of substance abuse.

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Labels: communities, research, support