(StatePoint) If you’re like many Americans, you may think of methamphetamine, or meth, as just a subject of television dramas. But what you may not realize is that the increasing use of this illegal and highly dangerous drug could be hurting your own community.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), meth use is on the rise — 439,000 Americans ages 12 and older abused the drug in 2011.

Aside from obvious health risks, long-term use of the drug can lead to aggressive behavior, violent crime and domestic disputes. And making meth involves mixing unstable materials leading to fires, explosions and the creation of toxic chemicals.

These concerns, along with the cost of addiction, drug treatment and hazardous waste cleanup, are putting undue economic strain on communities as well as on federal, state and local governments.

But luckily, there are steps everyone can take to help make their communities safer and decrease drug-related incidents.