The crystal methamphetamine epidemic has been described as a wave sweeping the globe. Some public health officials are dealing with crystal problems, while others are bracing for crystal's debut. In Texas, national experts continue to inquire as to whether an increase in methamphetamine use similar to U.S. East and West coasts has reached Texas. A triangulation of survey and qualitative data suggests that Texas is not immune to methamphetamines, but usage has not reached epidemic proportions. For example, only 86% of 335 men (26%) self-presenting for a study on drug-using male street prostitutes in Houston reported crystal use in the 30 days preceding their interview. Adolescents in two additional studies of recreational drug use reported substances other than methamphetamines as their drug of choice, including codeine cough, dextromethorphan, and fry-marijuana soaked into embalming fluid into which PCP is suspended. A qualitative study of crystal-using MSM found that meth was not a preferred substance for reasons including poor quality compared to cocaine and a perception that crystal is more detrimental than cocaine to one's health because crystal is a completely synthetic substance, while cocaine originates with coca leaves. Other factors include Texas's border with Mexico, and the highway system that facilitates illegal drug traffic to Texas cities, Chicago, New York, and Canada-and Texas's Latino population and its predilection for heroin and cocaine use. Officials in other areas may look to trends including appeal of depressants among young people and cocaine quality and availability to forecast methamphetamine usage trends.
Learning Objectives: Recognize population characteristics that may preclude a widespread methamphetamine epidemic. Understand characteristics of methamphetamine users and abusers. Identify users' perceptions of crystal methampetamines that facilitate and impede crystal consumption. Assess one's position in drug trafficking corridors and manufacturing centers to understand this influence on meth epidemic
Keywords: Drug Use Variation, Community Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.