LINCOLN, Neb. - Before problems stemming from methamphetamine use on American Indian reservations can be alleviated, tribes first must acknowledge that the drug is a problem, said a member of North Dakota's Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.

"Most people don't want to admit they have a problem as an individual, let alone a whole community," said Karrie Azure-Elliott, deputy director of the Tribal Judicial Institute.

The National Congress of American Indians reported in November that American Indians have an abuse rate of 1.7 percent, compared with 0.7 percent for whites, and that some reservations have addiction rates of 30 percent.

But many communities deny there's a meth problem, a mentality that hinders prevention and treatment, Azure-Elliott said Monday at the Midwest Methamphetamine Conference.

Meth is an addictive stimulant that can be prepared or "cooked" in makeshift labs with over-the-counter cold tablets, common household chemicals and fertilizers.

Also known as crank, ice or crystal, meth can be smoked, snorted, swallowed or injected. Meth produces a quick, strong high and can lead to paranoia and terrible fits of withdrawal. Experts say it is as harmful as heroin and cocaine.

According to the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 11.7 million Americans ages 12 and older said they've tried meth and 1.4 million said they'd used it in the past month.

Azure-Elliott said American Indians on reservations are susceptible to meth addictions because they often live in poverty and have limited employment opportunities - factors commonly attributed to drug use.

Another issue, she said, is the infiltration of the Mexican drug cartels into reservations for the sole purpose of selling drugs.

The American Indian congress estimates that 70 percent of all meth in the U.S. is smuggled from Mexico. Drug rings often set up shop on reservations because there are complex criminal jurisdiction issues and police forces are limited, according to the congress.

Jim Snow, vice chairman of the Winnebago tribe, said meth first came to the reservation in northeast Nebraska about five years ago.

He said efforts to curb meth use arose from community concern. A task force was set up, and prevention initiatives were implemented in the schools. Tribal police started stopping suspicious vehicles. The court system was adjusted to provide stricter punishment for meth-related crimes.

"You just got to try to use all your resources to combat this thing," he said.

Jerry Stubin, a meth researcher whose daughter is serving a six- to 10-year prison term for meth-related charges, said more American Indians are entering rehab programs for meth than alcoholism.

And one stint often isn't enough, he said. Many people are coming back four or five times.

"It's really tough to treat," said Stubin, a member of the Ponca tribe.

Azure-Elliott said meth addicts have difficulty getting appropriate treatment on reservations because most programs last only for 30 to 45 days, and it takes 18 months to get the drug completely out of the body.

"It's such an addictive drug," she said.

Snow said the Winnebago utilize state treatment programs offered by Nebraska and South Dakota and have been requesting longer stays to help people kick the habit for good.