A comparison of adolescent methamphetamine and other substance users in Hawai'i

Methamphetamine use continues to be a significant problem for adolescents in Hawai'i, especially among Native Hawaiians and other Asian and Pacific Islanders. However, no research has compared the unique characteristics of these methamphetamine (MA) users to other substance users, which could contribute to enhanced treatment approaches. Utilizing a sample of adolescent treatment clients, this study compared those who have ever used and those who have never used methamphetamines on various domains. Results showed that girls were significantly more likely to use methamphetamines than other substances. Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders were more likely to use methamphetamines as well, although the difference was not statistically significant. MA users reported significantly more homelessness and prior treatment episodes. While no differences were found in arrest rates or days in jail/prison/juvenile detention in the past 90 days, MA users scored significantly higher on all self-reported crime indices. MA users also scored significantly higher on all substance problem and mental health indices, and reported significantly poorer health. Implications for future research and treatment are discussed.