Methamphetamine use climbed among people booked into San Diego jails in 2012, compared to the year before. A recent study found that 47 percent of women and 31 percent of men who get arrested last year tested positive for the drug, compared to 39 percent and 26 percent, respectively, in 2011. The rate of positive tests among juveniles stayed steady at 4 percent. Despite efforts such as their Methamphetamine Strike Force, meth use remains a chronic problem in our region. While some progress has been made, law enforcement agencies, emergency rooms and public drug treatment programs continue to have to pour valuable resources into tackling the problem. Police report that meth is often a factor in family violence, child abuse and neglect, work problems, and high-risk behaviors like driving under the influence.

The study found that meth users were more likely than others to drive and go to work while under the influence of the drug. Also, the typical adult arrestee who tested positive has been using the drug for about 13 years on average — usually smoking it, but sometimes snorting or injecting it about three times a day, five days in a row. Negative effects associated with meth use include hallucinations, violent behavior, paranoia, sleeplessness, weight loss, dental and skin problems, and legal, financial, and family troubles.

At Seabrook we can provide intervention services. Highly qualified and certified Family Intervention specialists can help you deal with the person, the problem and the elements unique to your personal or professional situation. There are various modes of Family Intervention that each require a certain amount of preparation time but in most cases, Family Intervention results in immediate entry into detox, alcohol rehab, drug rehab or other appropriate treatment setting.