Some 25% of American teenagers report that it is easy or "somewhat" easy to obtain methamphetamine. However, the vast majority (77%) expressed disapproval of those who experiment with this popular street drug.

The survey by the Center for Disease Control also found that three-quarters of those who try the drug experiment before age 15 years.

About one in five teens said that the drug produces euphoria, helps deal with boredom, and helps people to lose weight. One third of the teens in the survey believe the drug does not pose any significant risk to those who use it.

"Meth is death," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, head for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She and White House drug czar said that the survey shows that there is more work to do when it comes to teenagers and methamphetamine use.

Dr. Gerberding praised "The Meth Project" in Montana that reduced meth use among teens in that state by 45% within two years.

Labels: availability, meth, street_drugs