Violence among street-involved youth: the role of methamphetamine

This study investigated a possible association between violence and the use of drugs, particularly methamphetamine and alcohol.

Cross-sectional, baseline data were derived from the At-Risk Youth Study, a prospective cohort of street-involved youth in Vancouver, Canada. Subjects were asked whether they had suffered or perpetrated violence in the 6 months prior to the interview.

In total, 478 youth were enrolled, with a median age of 22 years (interquartile range = 20.0-23.9); 230 (48%) reported having been victims of violence, while 165 (34.5%) reported having perpetrated violence. Daily methamphetamine use was not associated with either outcome. In a multivariate analysis, daily alcohol consumption was significantly associated with being a victim (adjusted odds ratio = 2.10) and a perpetrator (adjusted odds ratio = 2.02) of violence. A history of abuse, failing a grade, and dealing drugs were also independently associated with violence, while having a regular partner was protective.

Contrary to popular media reports that methamphetamine causes violence, we found no association. The association of alcohol with violence, though, has implications for screening and intervention programs.