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Exploring the prevalence and correlates of methamphetamine use: findings from Sacramento's ADAM program
George S Yacoubian1, Ronald J Peters
1Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Calverton, MD 20705, USA. gyacoubian@pire.org
Abstract:
Anecdotal reports have suggested that the use and abuse of methamphetamine is increasing in the United States. To date, however, few scholarly works have explored the prevalence and correlates of methamphetamine use in the United States. To address this limitation, a secondary analysis was undertaken with data collected through the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) Program. An examination of methamphetamine-positive rates among ADAM arrestees interviewed between 1991 and 2001 identified that its use is concentrated within the Western part of the United States. Supplementary analyses of Sacramento arrestees indicated that 71% were diagnosed as needing some form of alcohol or other drug treatment. Compared to those arrestees who were detected methamphetamine-negative, methamphetamine-positive arrestees in Sacramento were three times as likely to be white and to have been diagnosed in need of drug treatment. Implications for drug control policy are discussed.
Insights
Methamphetamine use is increasing in the US, particularly in the West. Methamphetamine-positive arrestees were more likely to need drug treatment and be white.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Public Health
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Anecdotal evidence suggests rising methamphetamine use and abuse in the United States.
- Limited scholarly research exists on the prevalence and correlates of methamphetamine use nationwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence and correlates of methamphetamine use in the US using existing data.
- To identify geographic concentrations and demographic factors associated with methamphetamine use.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) Program.
- Examination of methamphetamine-positive rates among arrestees interviewed between 1991 and 2001.
- Supplementary analysis of Sacramento arrestees for treatment needs and demographics.
Main Results:
- Methamphetamine use is geographically concentrated in the Western United States.
- 71% of Sacramento arrestees tested positive for methamphetamine and required drug treatment.
- Methamphetamine-positive arrestees in Sacramento were three times more likely to be white and require drug treatment compared to negative arrestees.
Conclusions:
- Methamphetamine abuse is a significant issue, especially in the Western US, with a high co-occurrence of treatment needs.
- Findings have implications for targeted drug control policies and public health interventions.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex factors driving methamphetamine use and abuse.
