Use of crystal methamphetamine and other club drugs among high school students in Vancouver and Victoria

ENGLISH :
Background: The prevalence and correlates of British Columbian adolescents' use of four "club" drugs-crystal methamphetamine (MA), MDMA ("ecstasy"), ketamine, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)- remain poorly defined. This is partly because past surveys have measured drug use in aggregate categories rather than by specific drug. In addition, little research has been done regarding anecdotal evidence suggesting increased risk of drug use among gay and bisexual youth. The purpose of our study was to consider this and to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and correlates of use of each of these four club drugs separately among grade 8 to 12 students. Methods: In 2003 we conducted a pilot-project survey of a convenience sample in six schools in Vancouver and Victoria using a confidential self-administered questionnaire to assess students' demographic characteristics, sexual orientation, and substance use. Results: Among 607 students surveyed (mean age 15.9 years), 81 students (13.6%) reported previous use of MA (5%), ecstasy (12%), ketamine (4%), or GHB (4%). Most of this use appeared to be experimental or occasional within a context of multidrug use; every MA user but one reported also using alcohol and marijuana. In multivariate analyses adjusted for age, a twofold greater risk for use of ecstasy was observed among girls. The 2.596 of students who identified themselves as gay or bisexual had significantly elevated risk of previous year use of MA (odds ratio [OR] 26.28), ecstasy (OR 3.29), and ketamine (OR 8.26). Conclusions: School-based initiatives may tail to reach many regular MA users. Interventions and clinical assessments involving youths attending high school should address the individual's use of multiple drugs rather than MA or any other club drug specifically. Targeted substance abuse research and intervention initiatives appear warranted for students who identify themselves as gay or bisexual.