The honest answer is that we do not know how many people use methamphetamine in British Columbia. However, there is evidence of increased use of the drug in recent years.

Within the general population, methamphetamine use is likely quite low. According to the Canadian Addictions Survey (CAS 2004), 0.6% of British Columbians reported use of an amphetamine-type substance (a broader category of drugs that includes methamphetamine, ecstasy, and related substances) in the past year, while 7.3% said they had used such substances some time in their past.

Methamphetamine use is not common among young people in school either. According to recent studies of BC high school students, about 5% of students in Grades 7 through 12 may have used methamphetamine. The vast majority of students (86%, according to one survey) have never used any of the so-called “party drugs,” including methamphetamine and ecstasy. Most first-time use of methamphetamine occurs in either Grade 9 or 10.

However, some studies reveal high levels of frequent methamphetamine use among certain at-risk populations. These include youth who inject drugs, street youth, and youth in custody.

People use methamphetamine for a variety of reasons. Youth may use it at parties, for the same reasons they use alcohol and other drugs. Some youth might start using methamphetamine because they think it will help them fit into their peer group. Street youth tend to use methamphetamine because it keeps them awake at night, offering them some measure of protection against theft and abuse, and because of its appetite suppressant qualities.

Responding to the pressure to maintain high grades, some college students start using low doses to help them stay up for longer periods of time to study. Likewise some young people, primarily girls, turn to the drug for its loss of appetite effect in pursuit of the cultural myth of thinness. Both of these reasons for use are a cause for concern because young people might use methamphetamine without understanding the risks, and because it doesn’t address the feelings or lack of confidence that often underlies young people's struggle with body image or achievement.