NCJ Number
212756
Date Published
March 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings concerning the prevalence and consequences of methamphetamine abuse in Maryland.
Abstract
Despite the fact that a relatively low number of United States residents have reported ever using methamphetamine, there has been speculation of a methamphetamine “explosion” in cities and suburbs across America. This report presents findings of an analysis of existing indicators of methamphetamine use in Maryland and the potential threat the drug poses to the State. From January 2003 through May 2004 there were only eight methamphetamine laboratories seized by police in Maryland, indicating that methamphetamine is rarely produced or used in Maryland. According to 2002 school survey data, less than 5 percent of 10th and 12th grade students reported ever using the drug. Those who do use methamphetamine in Maryland tend to be White males of diverse backgrounds; juvenile methamphetamine users tend to also use so-called club drugs. Primary markets for the drug include parts of the western, northeastern, and southern parts of the State. The threat methamphetamine poses to Maryland is considered relatively low based on the fact that indicators of use and related health problems have been stable or have declined during the past few years. Figures, footnotes, references