Crystal methamphetamine use among young adults in the United States is considerably higher than previously reported, according to a study published in the July issue of the journal Addiction.
The study found that 2.8 percent of young adults (aged 18–26 years) reported having used crystal methamphetamine in the previous year (2001–2002). This is higher than the 1.4 percent annual prevalence of crystal methamphetamine use by young adults (aged 19–28 years) reported in the 2002 National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Monitoring the Future Survey.
Using nationally representative data and examining the age group most prone to methamphetamine use, the authors found that young adult users are disproportionately white and male and live in the West, and that American Indians were 4.2 times as likely as whites to use crystal methamphetamine. Users also tend to have lower socioeconomic status and use other substances (such as alcohol, marijuana and cocaine), and male users are more likely to have had incarcerated fathers.
"The study showed not only greater use of crystal methamphetamine, it also suggests the drug is associated with risky and antisocial behaviors, including other illicit drug use," said Nora D. Volkow, MD, NIDA director.
"By examining these connections," Dr. Volkow said, "we hope to identify new avenues for treatment and prevention."
The study authors based their findings on data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), which asked respondents about their use of crystal methamphetamine in the previous year and previous 30 days. They examined certain characteristics of crystal methamphetamine users, such as their use of other substances, sociodemographic data and novelty-seeking behavior.
To maintain confidentiality, Add Health administered the questionnaires via laptop computers and used computer-assisted self-interviewing technology.
Crystal methamphetamine (also referred to as "ice," "crystal," "glass" and "tina") is a common form of methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system.
"This study presents a new perspective on crystal methamphetamine users in the United States," said Denise D. Hallfors, PhD, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Calverton, Md., and a co-author of the study.
"We hope that this new information will aid in the development of appropriate interventions and help to inform public policy," Dr. Hallfors said.
This research was funded by NIDA, part of the National Institutes of Health.
