Meth Handout Summary

Otero County, New Mexico
Methamphetamine Use
A Community-Based Participatory Research Project

Concept: Meth Use in Otero County

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a growing problem both in New Mexico and the United States. (Center for Substance Abuse Research, n.d.) According to the 2004 New Mexico Social Indicator Report, 14.4% of Otero County youth (9th - 12th grade) reported using Meth in the past 12 months compared to 8.2% statewide, ranking 3rd in the state. Otero County is also 3rd highest in the state for forensic cases associated with Meth, and is among the highest for Meth labs seized, children affected by Meth in Protective Custody, and Meth arrests in New Mexico. (Silva, H., 2006. Proceedings of Behavioral Health Purchasing Collaborative, presentation on: New Mexico responds to a potential pandemic: Methamphetamine. Alamogordo, New Mexico.)

The negative impacts of Meth on the user and family are extensive, but even beyond those more directly involved, the community as a whole may suffer due to increased costs of services. Meth related crime may impact medical costs, judicial costs, over the counter drug costs, access to materials for legitimate reasons, etc. These costs in dollars and access to the community make all community residents victims of Meth.

The Group selected five questions related to the research problem. What are the local resources available for Meth use prevention, intervention and treatment? What questions are being asked in data collection regarding Meth? What questions need to be asked in data collection regarding Meth? What are the public perceptions regarding prevalence and effects of Meth use and how do they compare to information gathered from secondary data? What Evidence-based models are being used successfully in similar communities?

Methodology

Using a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) protocol, the Group designed 2 one page surveys: a Community-Wide Public Perception Survey and a Provider Survey (Otero County Methamphetamine Statistics and Programs). Youth response was sought in Middle and High Schools (with parental permission). Surveys were distributed throughout the county for adult response through "convenience" sampling. The Provider Survey was distributed to all known area behavioral health service providers and law enforcement, including some outside Otero County who serve our population.

Discussion and Future Direction

Though the demographics of the respondents resembles that of Otero County, there were more females than males, and a disproportionate number from Tularosa. This is likely because the majority of respondents were school students. This also accounts for the small number reporting having school age children. Data from the Perception Survey indicates that the community is generally familiar with Meth. However, there is a lack of information, particularly among youth, regarding its affects on those other than the user and the community.

Though the response to the Provider Survey was limited, it does show that Otero County is lacking in Meth related resources and data collection on this topic. Though we have not yet received data from all sources, the data received shows that Meth use is a prominent issue for our providers. Data also indicates that most of the users treated at these facilities are under age 35. To determine appropriate prevention, intervention, and treatment programs for Otero County, we need more information about age of onset and reasons for initial use. The Meth Research Group is currently planning Phase II.

City of Alamogordo