DC Crystal Meth Working Group: A community bands together to address crystal meth

In 2006 Whitman-Walker Clinic's Addiction Services department reported a 500% increase in patients seeking treatment for crystal meth addiction in DC between 2000 and 2005. Individuals in the gay community also noticed an increase in crystal use. To address the drug's growing popularity, a group of individuals and organizations in the gay leather community held a forum on crystal meth in May 2005, attended by many activists from the gay community. This sparked discussions that quickly led to the formation of the multi-stakeholder DC Crystal Meth Working Group (DCcmWG). The group, composed strictly of volunteers, includes community activists, GLBT organization members, health care providers, law enforcement officers, local government officials, public health professionals, drug treatment providers, social science researchers, and harm reduction advocates.

The coalition was designed to serve as a clearinghouse and referral center, providing information and resources to current crystal meth users and concerned family and friends. Using donated time and resources, the DCcmWG organized and participated in community events to raise awareness about crystal meth and point users and affected individuals to a variety of resources. The DCcmWG also launched an information and resource website: www.LetsTalkAboutMeth.org.

In fall 2006, the DCcmWG was officially recognized by the DC government when it applied for and was awarded $100,000 by the Addiction Prevention and Recovery Administration to expand its outreach and educational activities. This funding will allow the group to conduct serious research on crystal meth use in DC to fill the current void in data on crystal use.