Methamphetamine and Other Drugs.

Many people in the Midwest have the "it doesn't happen here" mentality when it comes to drug use. 

The fact is, marijuana is the second most used drug in North Dakota next to Alcohol, according to 2003 data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

There are four drugs being touched upon by Project Ace.
 
The first is tobacco.  Youth rates for cigarette use in North Dakota is on a decline, while youth rated for smokeless tobacco is on the rise.
 
The second is marijuana.  Marijuana is said to be a gateway drug as it leads to the use of other drugs.  Compared to the rest of the nation, North Dakota is significantly higher when it comes to Marijuana use.

The third is cocaine.  Cocaine acts as a stimulant and speeds up the workings of the brain.  One percent of treatment admissions in North Dakota in 2003 were attributed to cocaine.

The fourth is methamphetamine.  Meth is high on the list of concerns for law enforcement in North Dakota.   This drug effects the brain and causes mind and mood changes such as anxiety, euphoria and depression.  The drug increases and blocks the uptake of dopamine, which controls feelings of pleasure.