"The authors investigated the differences in characteristics and risk behaviors endorsed by detained adolescent Methamphetamine users and compared them with other drug users," scientists writing in the Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse report (see also Behavior).

"Subjects completed the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory and a questionnaire in which sociodemographics and behavioral information were explored and compared. Multivariate analyses and self-reports revealed that meth-using adolescents were more likely than other drug users to present symptoms of a clinical syndrome, and had higher prevalence rates of attempted suicide and parents who use drugs," wrote D. Fass and colleagues, University of Georgia.

The researchers concluded: "Results indicate significant differences between these groups and suggest the need for individualized drug treatment."

Fass and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse (Differentiating Characteristics of Juvenile Methamphetamine Users. Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 2009;18(2):144-156).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting G.B. Calhoun, University of Georgia, 402 Aderhold Hall, Athens, GA 30602, USA.

The publisher of the Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse can be contacted at: Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 13904-1580, USA.