Is meth really a bad problem in Portland

[FV9]

As a former drug prosecutor for a county in NW OR/SW WA, I can tell you that meth is a problem. The Portland/Vancouver area is actually a larger PNW distribution point for the mexican cartels. Interestingly, the fact that the sale of pseduephedrine based cold medications are restricted has only led to an increase in the street price since it costs more to bring it up from Mexico and S. CA. That is leading to an increase in property crimes to pay for it.

Keep in mind that you will likely find drug issues anywhere you go. As an earlier poster mentioned, it shouldn't be a problem for your kids if you stay active in their lives.

[Imperial1904]

Originally Posted by Cheeto

Ive heard I'm a single dad moving to Portland soon from San Diego and was wondering about the meth problem there. I have three kids, one who will be starting middle school next year. I'm originally from Detroit, where crack is still the hard drug threat, and I,ve heard alot about meth here in San Diego, but it seems to be limited to white trash from the more rural areas and gang bangers. Lived in Tennessee a few years back, and it seemed like half the people in the town of less than 2000 were part or full time meth heads. Just wondering if meth is a bigger threat if in PDX, and if so what areas are more proned to have meth problems than others?

I'm sure you've heard San Diego was the meth capital of the world/nation back in the late '80s-early '90s. Not sure on Portland, but in Southern Oregon, they tend to make it a bigger issue than it actually is, and it seems as if the commercials about meth gives users sympathy.

In 2002, when I first moved here, I haven't heard anything about meth up here, but over the last 2-3 years, it seems the news is always talking about it.

[Mt-7]

Originally Posted by Cheeto

Ive heard I'm a single dad moving to Portland soon from San Diego and was wondering about the meth problem there. I have three kids, one who will be starting middle school next year. I'm originally from Detroit, where crack is still the hard drug threat, and I,ve heard alot about meth here in San Diego, but it seems to be limited to white trash from the more rural areas and gang bangers. Lived in Tennessee a few years back, and it seemed like half the people in the town of less than 2000 were part or full time meth heads. Just wondering if meth is a bigger threat if in PDX, and if so what areas are more proned to have meth problems than others?

eye opening to say the least! The reason oregon is losing the ballle with meth.

[Sadie85]

I don't think Portland's meth problem is anything compared to a LOT of places.. but the homeless population is way up there so any of those could have numerous addictions (meth included).

[oldtintype]

Where exactly are you from (since you say you've never seen so many homeless people)? I'd love to know all of the areas of Portland you visited in your week here so that you know the whole city is filled with homeless people! Did you visit the various neighborhoods of Portland where most people live? I'm not trying to give you a bad time but this commentary is always spread by people who visit only a small section of Portland and declare this to represent the entire city!

[Tesaje]

I've visited Portland many times in several places in the city and don't remember the homeless being an overwhelming presence. Not saying it isn't a problem as it is in most cities, just that it didn't seem to me to be a really big deal that jumped out at me or made me wary.

[oldtintype]

Exactly, but if you ONLY go to Pioneer Square, and Saturday Market you feel that you must proclaim the city full of homeless people! It's a VERY small area where there's a large (visual) homeless population but unfortunately the tourists seem to hit it and not much more.