Meth Addiction in California

Meth addiction in California has deeply impacted local communities, overburdening their public health and social services programs, as well as law enforcement agencies. But, abused substances such as meth appear in cycles, a circumstance in the alcohol and drug (AOD) field which presents a pervasive and continuous need to respond to these emerging drugs. Prevention is the approach for the deterrence of substance use and abuse and a successful statewide prevention program can be implemented through the State's ongoing support.

Meth Addiction in California:

Methamphetamine use has created a persistent public safety and public health problem in California for over two decades. UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) research estimates that approximately 500,000 Californians today use meth. It is now the top one substance of choice for clients admitted to publicly-funded treatment programs in California, accounting for nearly 34.3 percent of treatment admissions (77,793) in 2011-2012, having surpassed alcohol as the primary drug of abuse in 208. Fifty-five percent of the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act (SACPA) clients cite methamphetamine as their top one substance of choice.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 7.3 percent of Californians age 12 or over used methamphetamine at some time during their life. Meth Addiction in California has affected the workplace, with a significant rise in positive workplace drug test results between 2007 and 2012. Also, an analysis of cause of death date from the National Center of Health Statistics shows that statewide meth-related deaths increased almost 88 percent between 2007 and 2012.

Meth addiction in California has a disproportionate impact on select populations, namely, women of childbearing age (18-35 years), and MSM. Meth use increases the risk for significant public health problems, particularly in MSM (Men who have sex with men) and intravenous drug users (IDU).

Methamphetamine is the primary drug for women in California's treatment system and was identified as the primary drug of abuse by 41 percent of women compared to 30 percent of men. Current statistics from publicly-funded treatment in California demonstrate that methamphetamine is the primary drug of abuse for women ages 12-25 entering treatment in 53 of 58 counties, compared to 18 of 58 counties for men ages 12-25. The high rate of meth addiction in California by women has negatively impacted their children and families, and the community resources that serve their needs.

The 25 percent of all meth abusers in California are injection drug users. Of these, nearly 70 percent are Hepatitis C positive. Utilized in party drug for the MSM population; meth use interfere judgment and lowers inhibitions. Users implement in unsafe sexual practices, which may expose them to pathogens that cause sexually transmitted diseases. Such risky behavior contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted diseases. According to the California Society of Addiction Medicine, 30 to 50 percent of individuals who have been newly identified with the HIV virus use methamphetamine.

The Bottom Line:

The rise of methamphetamine use and its related negative effects in California communities have taken a toll on State resources and public health and social service systems. Research has shown that meth addiction in California has grown, and there are high rates of production, use, abuse, and treatment admissions in our state. A collaborative multi-agency, approach is required to address California's competing methamphetamine demands.