Meth abuse linked to risky teen behavior

Children and adolescents who abuse alcohol or are sexually active are more likely to take methamphetamines, according to a study published in BMC Pediatrics.

Among low-risk youth (ie, those who don't take drugs), a history of sexual activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking was significantly associated with meth abuse use among low-risk youth. These behaviors may be a "gateway" to metha abuse or vica versa, the authors stated.

Among high-risk youth(ie, those who have taken other drugs or who have attended juvenile detention centers), risk factors linked to meth abuse were growing up in an unstable family environment (eg, family history of crime, alcohol use, and drug use) and having received treatment for psychiatric conditions.