Statistics clearly reveal that the methamphetamine abuse in Oregon has clearly surpassed all other forms of substance abuse. Earlier, the most popular drugs within the state were cocaine, heroin and marijuana. But over the last ten years, the rate of methamphetamine addiction has increased by leaps and bounds within the state.

The main reason for this prevalence of methamphetamine in Oregon is the large amount of trafficking that is going on within the state. There is a special presence of the Mexican black tar heroin within the state, which comes in from several other states. Several laws have been made and implemented within the state in order to stop this unwanted intrusion, and they have met with a great degree of success too. An indication of this success is the decline in the amount of powder methamphetamine within the state in recent years.

However, this has increased the presence of crystal meth in Oregon, which is a solid form and a purer version of methamphetamine. This is produced mainly in various home based labs within the state in clandestine operations. The main ingredients required for this preparation are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine that are commonly present in cough syrups. But in July 2006, the state declared these substances as Schedule III controlled substances, thus making it difficult for these operators to get their supply of raw material for making crystal meth. Even the pharmacies are required to record all transactions of these substances that occur and keep these products out from the open view.