Methamphetamine Abuse in New York
DEA Assessment:
- While methamphetamine trafficking and abuse in New York State is a less serious problem when compared to heroin, cocaine, crack, and MDMA, there are indicators that the problem is increasing.
- In the New York City area, the market is primarily for crystal methamphetamine sourced from the West Coast of the United States. Use is not widespread, although it is increasing among some subculture groups, especially gay males. The upstate market is primarily methamphetamine powder supplied by local clandestine labs, which are becoming more common.1
Methamphetamine Use among State Population (2002-2005):
3.5% of persons aged 12 or older reported using meth one or more times during their life.2
0.3% of young adults aged 18-25 reported past year methamphetamine use.
0.1% of persons aged 12 or older reported past year methamphetamine use.3
Methamphetamine Use among High School Students (2005):
3.3% of students reported using methamphetamine one or more times during their life.4
Drug Offenses:
4% of 2005 Federal Drug Cases in New York involved methamphetamine.5
Lab Incidents:
There were 20 lab incidents in 2006.6
Treatment Admissions for Methamphetamine Abuse:
611 treatment admissions for methamphetamine/amphetamine abuse in 2005;
0.2% of all drug abuse treatment admissions.7