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Indicators of methamphetamine use and abuse in San Diego County, California: 2001-2005

Robin A Pollini1, Steffanie A Strathdee

  • 1University of California San Diego School of Medicine, USA. rpollini@ucsd.edu

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
|February 21, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Methamphetamine use and abuse significantly increased in San Diego County between 2001 and 2005. This trend is evident in drug treatment admissions, among arrestees, and in drug seizures, highlighting methamphetamine as a major public health concern.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Substance Abuse Research

Background:

  • San Diego County is a key distribution hub for methamphetamine entering the U.S. from Mexico.
  • Available indicators suggest a rise in methamphetamine use and abuse between 2001 and 2005.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize trends in methamphetamine use and abuse in San Diego County from 2001 to 2005.
  • To assess the impact of methamphetamine on public health using multiple data sources.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of drug treatment admissions data.
  • Examination of arrestee drug testing results.
  • Review of emergency department visit data related to illicit drug use.
  • Assessment of methamphetamine-related death statistics.
  • Evaluation of non-federal drug seizure data.

Main Results:

  • Drug treatment admissions for primary methamphetamine use rose from 37% in 2001 to 49% in 2005.
  • Methamphetamine prevalence increased among arrestees, with 51% of females and 21% of juveniles testing positive in 2005.
  • Methamphetamine-related emergency department visits increased from 32% in 2004 to 40% in 2005.
  • Methamphetamine-related deaths saw a 48% increase between 2001 and 2005.
  • The proportion of drug seizures involving methamphetamine increased from 21% in 2001 to 32% in 2005.

Conclusions:

  • Methamphetamine remains a significant drug of concern in San Diego County.
  • Multiple data sources are crucial for accurately understanding methamphetamine use trends and health impacts.
  • The findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and intervention strategies for methamphetamine abuse.

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