Methamphetamine in Illinois: An Examination of an Emerging Drug

• NCJ Number: 200296
• Journal: Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Research Bulletin Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: January 2003 Pages: 1-12
• Author(s): Robert W. Bauer
• Date Published: January 2003
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded on May 13, 2003.

Annotation

This research bulletin examines the emerging trend of methamphetamine production, distribution, and use in Illinois.

Abstract

According to the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine is widely available throughout the United States and an estimated 9.6 million people have tried methamphetamine at least once. This is a rising trend; only 3.8 million people reported to having tried methamphetamine during the 1994 survey. Its production, distribution, and use has historically been associated with isolated regions in the West and Southwest, but the problem is now spreading throughout the Nation and is particularly concentrating in small towns and rural areas where local officials are unprepared to deal with such a problem. This research bulletin was developed to aid in the measurement, monitoring, and evaluation of the extent and nature of the methamphetamine problem in Illinois. Data such as drug-related arrest statistics, lab seizures, quantities of drugs seized, and admissions for methamphetamine treatment were examined in order to understand the local prevalence of methamphetamine abuse in Illinois. Substance abuse-related arrests had increased 6 percent statewide from 1994 to 2001, with rural counties experiencing a huge 207 percent increase in arrests during this period. Statewide, drug seizures had climbed dramatically, with a 439 percent increase from 1994 to 2001. Most of the drug seizure increase took place in urban counties. Furthermore, the volume of methamphetamine submissions to Illinois State Police crime labs tripled from 1998 to 2001. Admissions for methamphetamine treatment in rural counties increased from 46 to 1,122 between 1994 and 2001. Overall, the results indicate that rural counties in Illinois are experiencing the greatest impact from methamphetamine abuse. Nationally, this means that methamphetamine abuse is spreading rapidly and even affecting more rural areas than previously identified.