A 2014 meeting of the methamphetamine support group on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Photo by Anthony Bordeaux Jr. / Facebook
Mothers Against Meth on Rosebud
By Vi Waln
Lakota Country Times Correspondent ROSEBUD – A group of mothers formed a support group last year as a way to help one another cope with the effects of methamphetamine use on the Rosebud Reservation. The Mothers Against Meth Support Group holds meetings on the first Saturday of every month. The one hour meeting begins at 1pm and is held at the Rosebud Community Building. The public is welcome to attend. The group was started for people who are affected by their loved ones who are addicted to meth. Mothers and other family members attend meetings to talk about the effect meth has on their loved ones. The meetings are informal and confidential. People who attend are given an opportunity to speak with the understanding that what they share will remain confidential. “What you see and hear here, stays here,” stated Lori Walking Eagle. She is employed with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s Methamphetamine Initiative. The meetings are structured similar to a Talking Circle and are opened with a prayer. People in attendance are given an opportunity to speak. The meetings are closed with a prayer. The group was formed with the intent to provide local support to people whose families are affected by an active meth user. People in crisis can call Walking Eagle or someone else from the group to get help with dangerous situations caused by family members high on meth.
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However, many times the effects of meth on an individual may require intervention by law enforcement or medical providers. If you suspect the agitation displayed by a family member is caused by meth use, you should call the police or an ambulance. Your safety, as well as the safety of the meth user, should always be put first. “People can form support groups in their own communities,” stated Walking Eagle. Interested individuals just need to find a place to meet and set a date. Rosebud Community has graciously waived the standard $75 fee for the center to the Mothers Against Meth Support Group monthly meetings. Reservation residents believe the prevalence of meth use has increased in the last several years. Increased use of the drug has been substantiated by the recent arrests of several tribal members who have been charged with distribution of a controlled substance. Large quantities of the drug, along with cash and weapons, were recovered in these drug raids by local law enforcement officers. The Mothers Against Meth Support Group also has a Facebook page that anyone can join. For more information on the Meth Initiative on Rosebud, please call 605-747-2900. Find the award-winning Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter.
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