'Meth' abuse and underage sex, smoking and drinking go hand in hand

Canadian scientists have found a link between methamphetamine abuse and underage sex, smoking and drinking - they say children and adolescents who abuse alcohol or are sexually active are more likely to take methamphetamines.

Methamphetamines (MA), also known as 'meth' or 'speed' is a stimulant, usually smoked, snorted or injected which produces sensations of euphoria, lowered inhibitions, feelings of invincibility, increased wakefulness, heightened sexual experiences and hyperactivity resulting from increased energy for extended periods of time.

Because MA is cheap, easily available and also its legal status, long-term abuse of the drug can be a serious problem.

According to Terry P. Klassen from the University of Alberta, MA is produced, or 'cooked', quickly, reasonably simply, and cheaply by using legal and readily available ingredients with recipes that can be found on the internet.

Klassen is the lead author of a study conducted to assess the risk factors that are associated with people using MA, in both low-risk children (those who don't take drugs) and high-risk children (those who have taken other drugs or who have attended juvenile detention centres).

Klassen and his team carried out an analysis of twelve different medical studies, combining their results to get a bigger picture of the MA problem and they say within the low-risk group, there were some clear patterns of risk factors associated with MA use.

A history of engaging in behaviours such as sexual activity, alcohol consumption and smoking was significantly associated with MA use among low-risk youth and they say engaging in such behaviours may be a gateway for MA use or vice versa.

The researchers say a homosexual or bisexual lifestyle is also a risk factor.

Amongst high-risk youth, the research team identified risk factors such as growing up in an unstable family environment (e.g., family history of crime, alcohol use and drug use) and having received treatment for psychiatric conditions and also being female.

The research published in the open access journal BMC Pediatrics.