Correlation between Age and Marijuana, Cocaine and Non-prescription Methamphetamine Use in San Diego Trauma Room Patients

Not much is known about illicit drug use across the lifespan of adults. This study examined the relationship between age and marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine use. This study used a convenience sample of local residents in San Diego California, who were routinely screened for drug use during their visit to ER/Trauma rooms. Self-reported drug use was examined for three age groups— 18-30 year olds, 31-41 year olds and 42 year olds and older— for the last 30 days, as well as use in the last 12 months. Findings show that within the last month, marijuana use was statistically different for the three age groups, with the youngest age group having the highest use. Past month cocaine use tended to be higher among the oldest age group. Methamphetamine use tended to be highest among the middle age group. Use within the last 12 months for all groups was significant for marijuana and cocaine, but not significant for methamphetamine. Past year marijuana use was highest among the 18-30 age group; cocaine use was highest among the youngest group; methamphetamine had a steady use by age group. Our results show a correlation between age and illicit drug use, but not consistently indicative of higher use among the youngest ages.