Some Oklahoma Native American tribes -- a few flush with money from gaming operations -- have stepped up their spending on combating methamphetamine use.
The Associated Press' Christina Good Voice reported last week that Osage, Cherokee and Choctaw Nation tribes are trying to be pro-active in tackling meth use among their members.
Osage officials say more than two-thirds of the child welfare cases they work are related to meth use. Parents who use meth don't supervise their children properly, the tribe said.
The state law that restricted access to products containing pseudoephedrine, a key meth ingredient, doesn't dent the demand side of the addiction. It makes for fewer meth cooks but it also increases trafficking from larger super labs.
Cherokee officials have received a grant that will be used to teach young tribal members the dangers associated with methamphetamine. Choctaws are seeking a meth prevention, treatment and recovery grant.
