Methamphetamine Use Among Arrestees: Findings From the Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) Program, Research in Brief

• NCJ Number: 161842
• Date Published: November 1996
• Author(s): T E Feucht; G M Kyle
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Series: NIJ Research in Brief
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

Trends in methamphetamine use are assessed using data from the Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) program of the National Institute of Justice in which arrestees in 23 major cities across the country are tested on a regular basis for evidence of recent use of several drugs, including methamphetamine.

Abstract

DUF data indicate that more than half of all adults arrested and booked for serious crimes test positive for drug use. Because methamphetamine use appears to have become more significant in many communities during the past few years, DUF data were examined for trends in methamphetamine use among adult and juvenile arrestees. The highest rates of methamphetamine use were found among arrestees in Western and Southwestern cities, although data suggested some expansion into the Midwest. White arrestees were much more likely than black and Hispanic arrestees to test positive for methamphetamine, and female arrestees were more likely than male arrestees to test positive. Several ways of dealing with the increased use of methamphetamine are suggested: (1) law enforcement agencies should remain alert to the potential for increased availability and use of methamphetamine; (2) treatment providers should be prepared to deal with an increased number of methamphetamine referrals, especially from the criminal justice system; and (3) demonstration programs may be necessary for methamphetamine-involved offenders in jurisdictions with a significant number of methamphetamine users. 10 references, 2 notes, and 8 exhibits