How Many Teens Use Meth?

Is Teen Meth Abuse Becoming More Common in Arizona and the United States?

For parents (and the general public as well), drug use among young people is becoming a major public health concern as drugs become easier and easier to obtain. And with all of the pressures of school and life, teens might turn to meth use to give them the boost they need to accomplish their goals.

But just how many teens use meth in the United States?

In reality, meth addiction is more common than many parents think, impacting roughly 1 percent of young adults between the ages of 12 and 17. Roughly one-third of the teens admitted to rehab cite methamphetamine abuse as their primary issue.

Artemis Adolescent Healing Center knows how hard it can be to seek help for drug, alcohol, and mental health issues for your teen. When your family is ready to put illicit drugs in the past, our program can be a safe haven for your child.

Here’s what you need to know about the growing meth use among teens in Arizona and beyond.

How Prevalent is Crystal Meth Drug Abuse in Teens?

Young adults navigate a complex world with social pressure and the demands of everyday life. Many young people turn to substance abuse to help them cope with those struggles that are unavoidable. Methamphetamine abuse is one of the most common drugs teens turn to in these situations.

According to research, there is a serious public health concern for those who are turning to meth to help cope. Roughly 1 percent of teens in eighth through tenth grade have used meth in the past year. The number is approximately the same for high school students.

However, these statistics might not show the whole picture of methamphetamine addiction. In some states, professionals track what percentage of teens are using methamphetamine when they turn to rehab to receive help for substance use disorder. In this instance, about 35 percent use meth as their drug of choice.

How Many Teens Experiment with Drug Use?

While these statistics may be disheartening for parents who are worried about their child, the picture is even more sobering when you consider how many young adults try meth at least once. One instance may not mean that your teen needs rehabilitation help or an intervention, but you should be aware.

The Department of Justice estimates that roughly 9.6 million people over the age of twelve have tried methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime.

And meth use isn’t limited solely to teens who are in middle school and high school. Methamphetamine use among those ages 18 to 25 is up significantly, with roughly 1.5 million people trying the drug. This sets the stage for long-term substance use disorder, as meth is highly addictive.

How Does Teen Meth Use Impact Mental Health?

Drug users are at greater risk of developing other issues related to their substance misuse. While meth mouth might be a common physical symptom, this and other drugs can also trigger latent mental health issues that require further treatment.

Meth users are more prone to risk-taking behavior and can put themselves in some volatile situations. However, it can also impact their developing brain and affect how their adult brain develops. For many teens, mental health treatment becomes necessary as addiction worsens.

Like many other substances, meth releases dopamine into the brain when teenagers use the drug. At first, this might feel great, but it can have negative effects on adolescent development over time.

For example, the powerful stimulant can create anxiety and depression symptoms even in someone who has no family history of either. More alarming symptoms of drug use are also common, notably psychosis.

How Can Family Members Understand Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

If you notice these mental health symptoms in youth, you may seek help for them right away. It may turn out that they are really struggling with the long-term effects of drug abuse. In recent years, we have found that many teens who present for help with their well-being also need help with drug use.

No matter what the presenting symptoms might be, you should talk to your teen about both their mood and mental health as well as their propensity for drug misuse. Even if they have only reported anxiety or depression, there may be other risk factors to consider.

Learn as much as you can about the warning signs of drug abuse so that you have the data you need to get help and more information on your child’s treatment.

Find Treatment Support for Teen Substance Abuse at Artemis

Substance abuse is a serious concern for adolescents who are still developing and finding their place in the world. Methamphetamine use is particularly dangerous and requires comprehensive treatment that is tailored to your teen’s needs.

Artemis Adolescent Healing Center offers individualized treatment plans tailored to meet your teen exactly where they are. We ensure that our clinical interventions are developmentally appropriate to meet the needs of every client. From residential treatment to intensive outpatient, Artemis provides support for every stage of the journey.

Our enrollment team is ready and waiting to answer your questions about treatment. We can help you talk to your teen about drug use and teach them new ways of coping with the stresses of modern life.

Reach out to us today to reserve a spot in one of our treatment programs for your teen!

References

1. Buck, J. M., & Siegel, J. A. (2015). The effects of adolescent methamphetamine exposure. Frontiers in neuroscience, 9, 151
2. U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Methamphetamine Fast Facts. National Drug Intelligence Center.
3. Rusyniak D. E. (2013). Neurologic manifestations of chronic methamphetamine abuse. The Psychiatric clinics of North America, 36(2), 261–275