A Therapeutic Landscape? Contextualizing Methamphetamine in North Dakota

Abstract

Crystal methamphetamine production and consumption has rapidly expanded over the last 10 years throughout much of the Great Plains. One of the states experiencing tremendous growth is North Dakota. Distinct spatial patterns exist when examining methamphetamine crimes of production and consumption, creating a geographic duality in the landscape of abuse. In terms of treatment, a cursory inspection might suggest North Dakota to be a therapeutic landscape due to its rural nature and slow pace. A more detailed investigation reveals that few treatment facilities exist internally, and North Dakota regularly exports offenders who seek treatment. This chapter highlights the problems faced by the state in limiting crystal methamphetamine production and consumption and suggests applying a more holistic approach to confronting this issue.