One of the most popular and dangerous illicit drugs in San Diego County is methamphetamine (i.e., meth) – also referred to as crystal, dope, and glass among local users. SANDAG Criminal Justice Research Division has released its latest report on meth use among local juvenile and adult arrestees. The data, collected in 2004 through a SANDAG project called “SAM” (Substance Abuse Monitoring), provides law enforcement agencies, treatment providers, and prevention programs with an in-depth look at drug use patterns and other behavioral risks among adult and juvenile arrestees.

In 2004, 847 adult and 182 juvenile arrestees were interviewed as part of the SAM project.  Of this group, 311 adult arrestees and 40 juveniles reported using the drug within the past 30 days. According to the resulting data, these two groups share differences and similarities in terms of meth use.

The adult arrestees had been using meth for about 11 years, while the juveniles had only been using for a little over a year and a half.  When asked why they first tried meth, the adult were most likely to say it was because they were experimenting (37%). Even though 43 percent of the juveniles also tried meth initially due to experimentation, 46 percent began using because of friends – thereby reaffirming the power of peer pressure on youngsters.

Similar to adults, juveniles were also more likely to continue meth use in order to get high.

About one-third of the adults and 26 percent of the juveniles continued using the drug because they were addicted. About one-fourth felt that they were addicted.

The preferred means of meth consumption among both adult and juvenile arrestees is smoking (71% of adults and 94% of juveniles). Other modes of use include snorting (16% and 6% respectively), injecting (12% of adults), and eating or drinking (1% of adults).

The data from the SAM project reveals that meth has a negative impact on users’ lives. Almost two-thirds (63%) of adults and over half (53%) of juveniles reported using meth before going to work or school — undoubtedly affecting performance and productivity. Both age groups cited sleeplessness as the primary side effect.

Project Manager:
Cynthia Burke
619-699-1910