Past-year methamphetamine use among US young adults: 2015-2018

Background and Objective: Methamphetamine use has increased over the last decade; however, a dearth of literature exists on methamphetamine use among national samples. Providing research on current prevalence and correlates to use among national samples can inform harm reduction efforts and prevention messages. The present study sought to identify the prevalence and correlates to past-year methamphetamine use among US young adults. Methods: Aggregated data (2015–2018) from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health on 89,446 adults ages 18–34 were analyzed. Weighted analyzes were run to determine significant associations to past-year methamphetamine use. Results: Past-year methamphetamine use was estimated to be 1.02%. Of concern, substantial rates of marijuana use, illicit drug use, and suicide were found to be significant associations of past-year use. Conclusions: This is the first known study to utilize data from a national survey to estimate past-year methamphetamine use among US adults over multiple years. We believe our findings can inform health strategies, prevention efforts, and behavioral health interventions.