Surveys and Trends

National Surveys

A number of national surveys are conducted yearly to determine if substance abuse is rising or declining among youth. The major studies include:

Monitoring the Future: A Continuing Study of American Youth
An ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults.
Each year, a total of some 50,000 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students are surveyed. Results are published every fall, reflecting data from the previous year. Each December, Monitoring the Future highlights the findings regarding alcohol, drug and tobacco use for the current year and presents them as part of a press conference in Washington, D.C. Press releases are distributed to the media and posted on their website. Monitoring the Future is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2003
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Results from the 2003 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey demonstrated that, during the 30 days preceding the survey, numerous high school students engage in behaviors that increase their likelihood of death from these four causes: 30.2% had ridden with a driver who had been drinking alcohol; 17.1% had carried a weapon; 44.9% had drunk alcohol; and 22.4% had used marijuana.

National Survey on Drug Use & Health
(formerly called the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse)
This annual survey is conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The survey is based on a nationally representative sample of the civilian, non-institutionalized population of the United States – ages 12 and older. Since 1971 the survey has been the primary source of estimates of the prevalence and incidence of illicit alcohol, drug, and tobacco use in the population. Annual survey results are released in August for the previous year.

KIDS COUNT
http://www.aecf.org/kidscount/sld/
(410) 547-6600
A project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, this is a national and state-by-state effort to track the status of children in the United States. All Kids Count data is now available from a database, which can be customized to generate graphs, maps, ranked lists, and state-by-state profiles. The latest report was released in July 2005.

National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA)
http://www.casacolumbia.org
(212) 841-5200
 
No Place to Hide: Substance Abuse in Mid-Size Cities and Rural America. White Paper commissioned by The United States Conference of Mayors – January 2000.

Washington State Surveys and Trends Reports

Washington State Healthy Youth Survey
http://www3.doh.wa.gov/HYS/
The Washington State Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) is a statewide survey of youth in Grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 in public schools. It is administered every two years. The HYS is conducted by the Department of Health, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Department of Social and Health Service’s Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, the Family Policy Council, Community Trade and Economic Development, local schools, public health agencies, and other community partners.

Seattle Public Schools Communities that Care® Youth Survey
http://www.seattleschools.org/area/ctc/youthsurvey.xml
Measures 19 risk and 10 protective factors as well as current levels of substance abuse, violence and delinquency.

University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute
http://depts.washington.edu/adai/
Recent Drug Abuse Trends in Seattle-King County. The June 2005 report (rev. August 2005) is a study of drug-involved deaths.

Tobacco, Alcohol, & Other Drug Abuse Trends in Washington State 2005
1(800) 662-9111
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/dasa/services/research/reports.shtml
The yearly “Trends Report” is published by the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA) and is available online or through the Washington State Alcohol/Drug Clearinghouse.

Methamphetamine

Quick Facts
Q. What is Methamphetamine (Meth)?
A. Meth is a powerful synthetic stimulant drug with long-lasting physical and psychological effects. It has a high potential for abuse and dependence.

Q. What does it look like? A. Meth is sold as pills, capsules, powder, or chunks. The powder can be white, yellow, brown or even green.

Q. Why is meth so dangerous?
• Meth labs can be dangerous because a variety of potentially explosive chemicals are used by “cookers” who are often under the influence of the drug. (Fires and explosions are commonplace).
• Meth produces at least five times the amount of the finished product in toxic wastes, and is routinely dumped into the environment.
• With over six months of use, 94 percent of those who smoke meth will become addicted.
• Children are often present at meth lab sites.
• Meth use often leads to paranoia and violent behavior. A user is most dangerous when they take more and more meth to avoid crashing. At this point taking more meth doesn’t stop the crash and it is not uncommon for the abuser to become violent.

Q. How do I recognize a meth lab?
• Chemical smells like ammonia or acetone
• Heavy traffic during late night hours
• Covered windows and reinforced doors
• Inhabitants smoking outside the building – (concern about fumes)
• Discarded containers, empty ephedrine bottles, stained coffee filters, lithium batteries, discarded propane tanks

Approximately 30 to 40 percent of the supply is made in hidden labs usually in rural areas, but it can be made anywhere, even in the back of a car. Never use a discarded propane tank - They are often used to store anhydrous ammonia.

Street Names
“Speed” or “Crystal” when it is swallowed or sniffed; “Crank” when it is injected; and “Ice” when it is smoked. Other street names: Beans, Bennies, Black Mollies, Star, Uppers, West Coast Turnarounds, Yaba and many others.

Quotes
“Meth is the leading drug-related local law enforcement problem in the country. Fifty-eight percent of counties in this survey said that methamphetamine was their largest drug problem. Meth was followed by cocaine (19%), marijuana (17%) or heroin (3%) as the number one drug problem.” - The Meth Epidemic in America, National Association of Counties July, 2005)

“ ... methamphetamine seems to be taking a unique, and horrific, toll inside its users’ mouths. In short stretches of time, sometimes just months, a perfectly healthy set of teeth can turn a grayish-brown, twist and begin to fall out, and take on a peculiar texture less like that of hard enamel and more like that of a piece of fruit.”
- Monica Davey, “Grisly Effect of One Drug: ‘Meth Mouth’” The New York Times June 11, 2005

What if I discover a lab?
If you think you may have discovered a lab, or you have questions, call the anonymous HIDTA Tip Line or the Washington State Dept. of Ecology office in your area:

HIDTA Tip Line: 1(888) 609-6384
Washington State Dept. of Ecology
 
To report a meth dump site or to ask for assistance call your regional office:

Bellevue (425) 649-7000
Olympia (360) 407-6300
Yakima (509) 575-2490
Spokane (509) 329-3400

Staying safe (dealing with someone on meth)
If you encounter a highly agitated person on meth, they are likely to be hallucinating and very paranoid. Consider these safety tips:
• If possible, keep your distance (coming close can be perceived as a threat).
• Slow your speech and movements. Use a lower voice (abusers already hear sound as high-pitched and fast).
• Keep your hands visible (if your hands are hidden, abuser can imagine danger).
• Avoid bright lights.
• If possible, keep person talking. (When an abuser is silent, their paranoid thoughts can more easily take over).

Meth Resources (National and State)
National Resources

Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
1(800) 666-3332 (Clearinghouse)
Methamphetamine Fact Sheet
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/methamphetamine/

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
1 (800) 729-6686
http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/

(Prevline – Prevention Online)

Great Spokane Substance Abuse Council and Spokane County Meth Action Team
http://www.methwatchwa.com/

NIDA for Teens - The Science Behind Drug Abuse
Brought to you by the scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/

Mind Over Matter – The Brain’s Response to Meth (designed for grades 5-9)
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/mom/mom_meth1.asp

U.S. Dept. of Justice
1(800) 851-3420
Meth Matters - Report on Meth Users in Five Western Cities
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/176331.htm

KCI - The Anti-Meth Site
An interactive and informative Web site with anti-meth resources, a chat room and message board.
http://www.kci.org/

Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
1 (800) 729-6686
Methamphetamines: A Guide for Parents and Other Caregivers
(Lists over 45 prevention booklets, brochures, videos and reports on meth)

MethResources.Gov
A comprehensive WEb site covering enforcement, treatment, education, policy and more. Sponsored by the White House office of Drug Control Policy, the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services.
http://methresources.gov

Other Meth Web Sites and Resources:
California Department of Justice: http://www.stopdrugs.org
Midwest HIDTA: http://www.lifeormeth.org

Drug Enforcement Administration:
http://www.justthinktwice.com/gotmeth/home.html

Methwatch:
http://www.methwatch.com/

Washington State Resources
Office of Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen
Web site: http://mfiles.org
Video and CD:
• Everybody’s Problem! Meth & Marijuana in Washington State

Washington State Alcohol/Drug Clearinghouse
1 (800) 662-9111 (Jennifer Velotta - Manager)
http://clearinghouse.adhl.org
6535 - 5th Place South - Seattle, WA 98108 (walk-ins encouraged)
Brochures and materials:
• Life or Meth – What’s it Cost?
• Methamphetamine: A Guide for Parents and Other Caregivers
• Retailers Precursor Recognition Poster
• Fast Track to Nowhere (video)
• Teeth, Life or Meth (video)
• Ruined Lives – Dangers of Methamphetamine (video)
(You must pay a one-time membership fee of $5.00 to borrow videos. Requests can be processed by
e-mail: adhl6@adhl.org)

Washington State Alcohol/Drug Helpline (ADHL)
1 (800) 562-1240

Washington State Dept. of Health
HotLine: 1 (888) 5TOXICS or 1 (888) 586-9427
http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/CDL/pubs-cdl.htm
A few of the many brochures available:
• Illegal Methamphetamine Labs
• Is There a Meth Lab in My Neighborhood?
• Meth Bust: Now What?
• Was My House Used as a Meth Lab?

Ecstasy

Quick Facts

What is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic drug that combines properties of mescaline (hallucinogen) with methamphetamine (a type of speed). Since MDMA powder is most often compressed into tablet form, it has the appearance of a legitimate and safe pill.

Ecstasy is often the drug of choice at Raves.
(A Rave is an all night event/party where large numbers of young people gather to socialize and dance to loud “Techno” music played by a DJ. This music has a distinctive series of repetitive beats not to be heard on the radio or standard commercial outlet. These events/parties are held in warehouses or outdoors in fields and parks.)

What effects does it have?
• Ecstasy stimulates the release of serotonin from brain neurons, producing a high that lasts from several minutes to an hour. The drug’s effects vary with the individual, the dose and purity, and the environment in which it is taken.
• Ecstasy can produce stimulant effects such as an enhanced sense of pleasure, self-confidence and increased energy. The psychological effects can include confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and paranoia which sometimes lasts for weeks.
 

Common Street Names: Ecstasy, XTC, X, Adam, Eve, Elephants, Clarity, Essence, Lover’s Speed, E, Rolls, M, Herbal Bliss, Rib, Hug Drug, Shabu, Mercedes, Wafters, Igloo, Green Triangles, New Yorkers and The Love Drug.

Ecstasy and Youth:
• Ecstasy is the #1 drug of choice for people ages 15-25, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. (KGTV SanDiegoChannel.com)
• The National Institute of Health surveyed drug use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in 1999 and found increases in the use of ecstasy among 10th and 12th graders. (Monitoring the Future Study, National Institute of Health)
• There also appears to be an increase in the number of 12th graders who are reporting that ecstasy is “fairly easy” or even “very easy” to get. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
• Northwest HIDTA reports Washington State has no shortage of MDMA. “Broader emergence, availability, and acceptance of ecstasy in the ‘Rave Scene’ has led to an increase in emergency room admissions and ‘help line/crisis line’ calls for assistance.” (NW HIDTA Memorandum, January 2001)

Ecstasy and MDMA Health Hazards:
• Muscle tension, involuntary teeth-clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, chills or sweating, and death
• Related deaths at raves have been reported. The stimulant effects combined with the hot, crowded conditions can lead to dehydration, hyperthermia, and heart or kidney failure. (National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA Notes, Vol. 14 #4)

Ecstasy Resources

Washington State Alcohol/Drug Clearinghouse:
1 (800) 662-9111 (Jennifer Velotta - Manager)
http://clearinghouse.adhl.org
6535 5th Place South, Seattle, WA 98108
Brochures and materials:
• Tips for Teens – The Truth About Club Drugs
• Fact Sheet on Ecstasy
• MDMA – DEA Fact Sheet

Web Site Information:

• http://www.clubdrugs.org
• http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/ecstasy.html
• http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/MDMA/default.html
• http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/mdma.html
• http://whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/club/index.html
• http://www.drugfree.org/

Video
Public Broadcasting Station – “In the Mix – Club Drugs – Ecstasy”
http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/ecstasy_index.html
Available from the Clearinghouse Lending Library. This video can be purchased by visiting the Castle Works Production Web site at www.castleworks.com, or by sending a purchase order or check for $69.95 (plus $5.00 shipping and handling) per title to: In the Mix, 114 E. 32nd Street, Suite 903, New York, NY 10016.

GHB

Quick Facts
What is GHB?
GHB or Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid is a compound that was initially used by body builders to stimulate muscle growth. In recent years it has become popular as a recreational drug among club kids and partygoers.
• GHB users risk many negative physical effects including vomiting, liver failure, potentially fatal respiratory problems, and tremors and seizures, which can result in a coma.
• GHB has reportedly been used in cases of date rape. Because GHB is odorless and tasteless, it can be slipped into someone’s drink without detection.
• GHB may also produce withdrawal effects, including insomnia, anxiety tremors and sweating.
• GHB is reported to be the drug of choice for rapist and sexual predators, and is the “hot” party/rave drug for the college and young adult set. It is also becoming alarmingly popular with high school students.

What are the different forms of GHB? GHB is sold as a clear liquid, white powder, capsules, and tablets. It is often used in combination with other drugs such as Ecstasy.

Street Names
Liquid X, Liquid G, Easy Lay, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Cherry Meth, Somatomax, Scoop, Battery Acid, Date Rape Drug, Fantasy, Salty Water, Soap, Zonked and Nature’s Quaalude.

GHB Resources

DANGER!
GHB is a drug that has lived up to some of its street names. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) since 1990 there have been 58 deaths and over 5,700 overdoses requiring emergency room treatments attributed to GHB abuse. Not included in this statistic are the numbers of sexual assaults (date or stranger rape), which have occurred because the victim was given GHB knowingly or unknowingly.

Washington State Alcohol/Drug Clearinghouse
1 (800) 662-9111 (Jennifer Velotta - Manager)
6535 - 5th Place South Seattle, WA 98108 (walk-ins encouraged)
http://clearinghouse.adhl.org
Videos:
• Date Rape Drugs
• GHB: The Date Rape Drug
Both are available for checkout from the Clearinghouse’s video lending library.

Web Site Information:

• http://whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/
• http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/ongoing/webslinger.html
• http://www.drugfreeamerica.org
• http://clubdrugs.org
• http://emedicine.com/emerg/topic848.htm

Marijuana

	Brain Imaging The images on the left show SPECT images (top-down surface view) depicting a normal brain and a brain affected by chronic marijuana use. The images on the right show the underside surface SPECT images where defects, or holes, appear in areas of decreased blood flow and brain activity. Defects of this type have been associated with attention problems, disorganization, procrastination and lack of motivation.

Quick Facts
Laced Marijuana?
Before it is sold, marijuana can be laced with crack cocaine, PCP, or embalming fluid without your knowledge. (NCADI - The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information)

Addiction
In 2001, 9,346 people in Washington State, mostly teenagers in Washington State entered drug treatment programs to kick their marijuana habit. (NCADI – National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information)

Confronting Problems
Research has shown that marijuana is a buffer for those who would rather avoid confronting problems than make changes that might increase their satisfaction with life. Although users believe the drug enhances their understanding of themselves, it actually serves as a barrier to self-awareness, and this avoidance inevitably makes their problems worse. (Findings from series of in-depth case studies by a research team at the Center for Psychosocial Studies in New York, NIDA – National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Marijuana Potency
Marijuana is being grown to have higher levels of THC to make it more potent. For example, one of the older forms of marijuana grown in Mexico had a THC content of about 4 percent, but some newer strains have a THC content closer to 6 percent. Other recent strains are even stronger: a new strain from British Columbia called BC bud has a THC content of 30 percent. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - http://family.samhsa.gov/set/marijuana.aspx)

Street Names
Ace, Blunt, Chronic, Ganja, Grass, Herb, Mary Jane, Red Bud, Spliff, Whackyweed, and Yerba.

Marijuana Resources

Get the Facts:
There is NO proof that smoking marijuana has any health benefits, yet plenty of evidence that it is harmful to both your body and brain, and also contributes to risky behaviors and adverse physical and social consequences. Not to mention that smoking any substance, whether it is tobacco or marijuana, increases your risk of developing cancer, pneumonia and other illnesses.

Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA)
(212) 841-5200
www.casacolumbia.org/

Non-Medical Marijuana: Rite of Passage or Russian Roulette?
Institute of Medicine
1 (800) 624-6242
http://stills.nap.edu/readingroom/books/marimed

Tips for Teens: The Truth about Marijuana.
http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/govpubs/phd641/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Substance Abuse and the Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information. 1-800-729-6686

Get the facts. Know the risks. Learn the signs.
Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
1(800) 666-3332 (Clearinghouse )
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/

Parents. The Anti-Drug
http://www.theantidrug.com

Time and again, kids say their parents are the single most important influence when it comes to drugs.

Washington State – Governor’s Council on Substance Abuse
http://mfiles.org/whitepaper/white_paper.html
Implementation of Initiative 692 – The Washington Medical Use of Marijuana Act
This paper describes the issues that resulted from the passage of I-692 and makes recommendations on needed changes.

Washington State – Office of Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen
Web site: Marijuana/Methamphetamine http://mfiles.org
Brochure: Say it Straight – Marijuana Myth vs. Reality Brochure
Available at the Washington State Alcohol/Drug Clearinghouse
1 (800) 662-9111
6535 - 5th Place South, Seattle, WA 98108 (walk-ins encouraged)
http://clearinghouse.adhl.org

Prevention Resources

State Prevention Resources

Washington Association for Substance Abuse & Violence Prevention
(509) 922-8383
Mobilizing the Citizens of Washington State for Safe Communities Free From Substance Abuse and Violence

Washington State Alcohol/Drug Clearinghouse
1 (800) 662-9111
http://clearinghouse.adhl.org

Washington State Alcohol/Drug Helpline (ADHL)
1 (800) 562-1240
http://adhl.org

TeenLine
Seattle and vicinity: (206) 722-4222
Statewide: 1 (800) 562-1240
http://theteenline.org/

Drug Watch International
http://www.drugwatch.org

MAVIA – Mothers Against Violence in America
http://mavia.org/

Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies
http://captus.samhsa.gov/western/western.cfm

Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council
(509) 922-8383
http://www.gssacpreventioncenter.com

National Prevention Resources

Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/
Washington State Profile

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI)
Prevline – Prevention Online 1 (800) 729-6686
http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/

Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
1 (800) 54-CADCA or 1 (800) 542-2322
http://cadca.org

National Families in Action (NFIA)
(404) 248-9676
http://nationalfamilies.org

National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA)
(301) 443-1124
http://www.nida.nih.gov

Partnership for a Drug Free America
(212) 922-1560
http://www.drugfree.org

Safe Streets Campaign
(253) 272-6824
http://www.safest.org

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
http://www.justthinktwice.com/

 

Home  |  Methamphetamine  |  Marijuana  |  Resources  |  Contact Us  |  HIDTA