Arizona County Reports Significant Reduction in Meth Use

Teen use of meth has declined in Navajo County, Arizona, by more than 50 percent over the past two years. This finding came from the recently released 2008 Arizona Youth Survey, conducted by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Also according to the survey, less than 1 percent of students reported meth use within the 30 days prior to taking the survey.

Lifetime incidence of use (that is, whether a student has ever tried meth) is still high for Navajo County, compared to the statewide average. However, the recent reductions show a positive trend. The numbers of new initiates to meth use are declining, which shows that young people are beginning to understand the dangers of meth use.

Local experts believe that declining imports of meth from Mexico, combined with the efforts of local authorities to seek out and dismantle clandestine labs has made meth much less available to local youth.

While the survey showed significant reductions concerning meth use, it showed a marked increase in the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs, particularly among high school seniors. According to local authorities, an influx of heroin and cocaine at cheaper prices across the United States’ southern borders and the rising availability and use of prescription drugs represent significant concerns to rural communities in the Southwest.

(Source: WMICentral.com)

Labels: teen-drug help

posted by jgarcia @ 9:23 AM