ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Leaders of the National Congress of American Indians say methamphetamine is endangering tribal cultures across the nation. So they've unveiled a new "meth toolkit" to help battle the crisis.

According to N-C-A-I statistics, American Indians have been especially wracked by the drug, with an abuse rate of one-point-seven percent, almost three times the rate for whites. On some reservations, addiction rates are closer to 30 percent.

The multimedia toolkit contains information sheets and C-Ds detailing the devastating effects of meth on health and families, and the damage to the environment from toxic chemicals used to make the drug. The C-Ds can be edited to customize to a community's needs.

The kits will cost about 130 dollars to cover the cost of production.

On the Net: National Congress of American Indians: http://www.ncai.org (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-11-07 2237CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list