SAN DIEGO–A record number of at-risk adults in San Diego County are using illicit drugs – mostly notably marijuana and methamphetamine, according to a new report released by SANDAG. Marijuana use is at a 14-year high among both men and women, and methamphetamine use has risen for the fifth consecutive year among men.

Researchers found that one in two men (48%) arrested in San Diego County tested positive for marijuana in 2013, compared to one in three women (34%). For both genders, it was the highest positive rate recorded since 2000.

Methamphetamine use among male arrestees also has been climbing steadily. Last year, 41 percent of them tested positive for meth, representing a considerable jump from 2012 (31%). Among females, meth use saw a small decline, with the positive rate dropping from 47 percent in 2012 to 46 percent in 2013. The meth abuse statistics are especially striking when compared to a decade ago. In 2000, the percentage of men and women testing positive for meth was below 30 percent (28% for men and 29% for women vs. the current percentages of 41 and 46).

“Seeing a high level of drug use among individuals arrested and booked into our jails isn’t new. But these rates are the highest we have seen since we started the drug monitoring program in 2000 – with 71% of males and 69% of females testing positive for marijuana, meth, opiates, or cocaine,” SANDAG Criminal Justice Research Director Dr. Cynthia Burke said.

“The relationship between drug use and criminal activities is complex. Many of the individuals we interviewed for the study have other issues besides drug addiction, such as unemployment, homelessness, gang involvement, or a mental health condition. About two in five have gotten drug treatment before, but for most, it was not voluntary, but court-ordered. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes for this complex problem.”

The study, “2013 Adult Arrestee Drug Use in the San Diego Region,” also included the following findings:

  • For the first time, male arrestees tested positive for drugs (any drug) at a higher positive rate than their female counterparts, corresponding with the general population trends where men are more likely to be current drug users. Historically, female arrestees have tested at a higher positive rate than men.
  • More than four in five arrestees (91% of males and 88% of females) reported having used marijuana sometime in their life. The average age of first use is around 14.
  • More than half of arrestees (57% of males and 69% of females) have tried meth in their lifetime.
  • Those between the ages of 18 and 24 were significantly more likely to test positive for marijuana, while meth use was more likely among arrestees 25 years of age and older.

A total of 953 adults were interviewed in 2013 as part of the locally-funded Substance Abuse Monitoring program. Ninety-seven percent provided a urine sample for drug testing. The research includes results of urinalysis trends over time, as well as perceived risk and predictors of current drug use.