NIDA - The Science of Drug Abuse & Addiction: Augmenting HIV Prevention in Treatment Seeking Populations Using Information Technology • March 1-2, 2007 • Embassy Suites Hotel at the Chevy Chase Pavilion • Chevy Chase, Maryland 2007 SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS

Methamphetamine Abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native Populations

According to national datasets, methamphetamine abuse in American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) is higher than in any other subgroup. Its abuse has raised great concern among tribal people and tribal leaders. However, very few datasets are available that will allow for stable estimates to characterize the problem. Furthermore, the available data give very little sense of variation by region or Tribe. Anecdotal reports, in combination with some law enforcement data, have suggested that methamphetamine abuse is a particular problem for some tribes, but less so for others. In addition, due to their rural nature, reservations have been prime locations for clandestine labs and the production of methamphetamine on these lands leads to many health risks. It has also been suggested that reservations are a particular target for methamphetamine distribution, thus placing this group at even higher risk. Tribes and tribal organizations have made great strides in responding to this problem, including developing policies against methamphetamine use and developing a methamphetamine tool kit to provide resources to address this problem. To determine the optimal responses to this issue, however, it is necessary to better understand the extent of the problem and the factors related to the increases in methamphetamine abuse. Thus, the primary goals of this meeting are to 1) assess what data are currently available to characterize this problem, 2) determine what data collection plans are underway, 3) identify existing infrastructures that might be tapped to collect data on this issue, and 4) begin to plan a research agenda.

Questions to be addressed include the following

  • To the extent that data are available, what is the scope of the problem?
  • What are gap areas, including data from diverse age groups, gender groups, regionally distinct groups and child-bearing women?
  • How can we better assess regional and Tribal variation in use?
  • What infrastructures exist that might be resources for data collection?
  • How should research proceed?
  • How can data be collected to ensure a link to services for prevention and treatment?