What is this Indicator?
This indicator shows the percentage of high school students who have used methamphetamines (also called speed, crystal, crank, or ice) one or more times during their life.
Why this is important: Drug abuse and addiction comprise a public health problem that affects many people and has wide-ranging social consequences. These consequences can include poor health outcomes, increased crime and accidents, and increased unemployment and homelessness. Methamphetamine is a very addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system and has a high potential for abuse. Chronic methamphetamine abuse significantly changes how the brain functions. Methamphetamine use results in many damaging effects, including violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, extreme weight loss, and severe dental problems. Users of methamphetamines may also display psychotic features including paranoia, auditory hallucinations, mood disturbances, and delusions. The paranoia can result in homicidal as well as suicidal thoughts.
Technical note: This distribution is based on the national average from YRBSS, which is a national school-based survey of public schools. |
