The above presentations were submitted at the conference.

http://www.globalmethconference.com/index.php

The Conference’s Executive Programme Committee Chair, Luciano Colonna had this to say:

“The conference has been organized in response to an emerging consensus among experts that methamphetamine use is a complex problem that presents a significant challenge to existing philosophies and strategies. While local and national communities are under siege by a perceived methamphetamine epidemic rush to pursue solutions, many facets of the problem remain to be discovered, examined, debated, illuminated and verified.

It is in this spirit of discovery, discussion, and cooperation that we are convening this summit. As the first event to gather global experts from varied fields, with diverse and even sometimes divergent perspectives, the conference is assured to be an unparalleled event.

It is commonly agreed that methamphetamine is a dangerous drug whose use has negative consequences on both individuals and communities, and presents a substantial challenge to policymakers, law enforcement, and social service providers. It is important that our public resources be directed to deal with the problem on a number of fronts, including areas of research, prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and law enforcement.

However, emerging strategies must be carefully and thoughtfully developed and carried out in response to the actual needs of affected populations, based on evidence-based research rather than on hyperbole, the distortion of data, media-driven misperceptions, and the mischaracterization of the dangers of methamphetamine and its users. Reality based prevention and treatment, which have been shown not only to be possible, but to be effective, are vital components of any strategy to reduce the harms associated with methamphetamine use.

It is the hope and expectation of the conference organizers that a wide-ranging, scientifically rigorous, and creative conversation among diverse experts at the 2008 Global Methamphetamine Conference will create an energy and flow of ideas that will propel efforts to find practical responses to methamphetamine use issues.”