Methamphetamine Use by High School Students: Recent Trends, Gender and Ethnicity Differences, and Use of Other Drugs

Recent data on 9th-12th grade (n = 629,722) methamphetamine use, both lifetime and last month prevalence, are summarized. From 1989 through 1992, methamphetamine use rates remained relatively stable. Since then, rates have increased, almost doubling, especially in Western states. There were no significant differences in methamphetamine use noted across year in school, but males are more likely to use than females, although use among females has also increased. With regard to ethnicity and use, American Indians and His panics were more likely to be using methamphetamine, followed, in order, by Asian Americans, White, non-Hispanics, and African Americans. Compared to other heavily drug-involved youth, methamphetamine users were more likely to use other drugs and suffer drug use consequences. Implications for research, prevention and counseling are briefly discussed.